Mike Pearson takes a look at the rule change finalized by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service that allows beef to imported from Paraguay into the USA.

However, it is a controversial decision.

All three major beef organizations (R-Calf, NCBA and the U.S. Cattlemen's Association) have condemned the proposal and asked for it to be retracted due to concerns over cattle health.

The rule change will allow raw or intact beef slaughtered in Paraguay to be eligible for export to the USA.

For 25 years, Paraguay has been off the USDA list of countries allowed to export beef to the USA due to the long history of Food and Mouth Disease.

An outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease would close the USA's livestock markets to close instantly. The disease causes sores on the mouth and feet of livestock.

There have been no outbreaks of FMD since 1929 here in the USA and the country has been known as the world leader in eradication.

However, Paraguay had an outbreak in 2012 in San Pedro County.

The USDA APHIS report says no in person vitis have been made to Paraguay since 2014.

The NCBA argues the Paraguay imports should be closed until in person visits can be made to the country.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.