Cattle from Canada under investigation

Washington state is investigating a herd of cattle in Stevens County that may have violated state-entry requirements when they arrived from Canada. "We are in the middle of investigating why they haven't met Washington's animal health or entry requirements," Washington State Veterinarian Leonard Eldridge said. "My investigators and brand inspectors have been in the area where the cattle are running." Eldridge said a time frame has been set for the ranchers under investigation to present the herd to the state for testing. Eldridge declined to comment further until the investigation is complete. He also declined to name the cattle owner or identify the number of cattle being investigated. "Be assured we are on top of the investigation," he said. "I do have the individual animal identification on every one of those animals as it came across the border, so I know what I'm dealing with." Some neighbors are concerned the animals may have commingled with their cattle, Eldridge said. "If indeed that has happened and these cattle have not met Washington's animal health requirement, that is a violation," he said. "If there are diseased cattle, it will affect all surrounding cattle," said Len McIrvin, partner at Diamond M Ranch, which is adjacent to the herd under investigation. Wade King, president of the Cattle Producers of Washington, said his organization has closely watched the investigation. Several members are affected, he said. "These cattle were destined for a dry feedlot down in the Basin and were diverted from the port of entry directly to this ranch property in Northport," King said...CapitalPress