PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
December 26, 2007 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Christin Kamm (402) 471-6856 (402) 440-7251 (cell)

LINCOLN - The Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) today issued an import order to help protect the health of Nebraska's livestock as a result of Trichomoniasis infections in surrounding states. The order will take effect on Tuesday, January 1, 2008.

Trichomoniasis is a venereal disease of cattle that is known to cause infertility, open cows, and occasional abortions in cows and heifers.

"The health of the livestock in our state is of upmost concern to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture," said NDA Director Greg Ibach. "Trichomoniasis is a disease of concern to Nebraska's beef and dairy producers; therefore, it is extremely important to have regulations in place to help safeguard our animals, as well as our livestock production industry."

The import order is in addition to the current Nebraska Animal Importation Act and includes important importation requirements for beef and dairy animals before being imported into Nebraska. Individuals that are planning to import cattle into the state should contact the NDA, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) at 800-572-2437 for more information.

The complete import order can be found on the NDA website at www.agr.ne.gov, under Animal Health.