Greg Ibach, director of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, is encouraging beef cattle producers to be certain they are following the state's import requirements, as the department continues its enforcement efforts related to cattle moving into Nebraska from other states.

"Because of the Southern drought, Nebraska continues to receive high numbers of cattle from other states," Ibach says "For the protection of all Nebraska beef producers, those animals must come here with the appropriate testing and paperwork completed."

According to Ibach, NDA officials continue to review animal health certificates and now have started quarantining herds that are found to be in violation of the state's cattle import requirements. All animals entering the state must have a health certificate, and producers especially need to be aware of the import requirements for trichomoniasis, a cattle disease that causes infertility and occasional abortions in cows and heifers. NDA issued an order outlining trichomoniasis import restrictions in 2008.

"We recognize that Nebraska producers want to help our southern neighbors and have the opportunity to make positive business moves at the same time," Ibach says. "We welcome these animals into our state, as long as they meet importation requirements."

Producers who are considering moving cattle from another state into Nebraska are urged to contact the Nebraska Department of Agriculture State Veterinarian's staff for more information about specific import requirements.

Staff can be reached by calling 800-572-2437. Import regulations and orders also can be reviewed on-line by visiting www.agr.ne.gov and looking under the Animal and Plant Health Protection focus area.