APHIS seeks comments on proposed changes to Mexican cattle branding requirements

APHIS is seeking comments from U.S. stakeholders regarding proposed changes to branding requirements on cattle imported from Mexico. Currently, steers imported from Mexico must have an M brand on the right hip, spayed heifers must have an M_X brand on the right hip, and intact cattle must have an MX brand on the right hip. All of these brands must be between 2-3 inches tall. The proposed rule seeks to simplify and improve on the readability of import brands. Under the proposed rule, sterilized animals—steers and spayed heifers—would be required to have an M brand on the right hip and intact animals would have an M brand on the right shoulder. In both cases, the brand would need to be 3-5 inches tall and wide. Comments are due June 11. Comment online on www.regulations.gov and search for the Docket ID APHIS-2016-0050-0001. Mailed comments can be addressed to Docket No. APHIS-2016-0050, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, APHIS, Station 3A-03.8, 4700 River Road Unit 118, Riverdale, MD 20737-1238. — WLJ