Panama now accepts U.S. cattle of all ages, USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) says. Panama banned importation of live U.S. cattle after BSE was detected in December 2003. That year, Panama's importation of live U.S. cattle doubled what had been imported in the previous three years combined.

"Panama's decision demonstrates confidence in the U.S. ability to effectively protect animal health and food safety with science-based safeguards," says APHIS administrator Cindy Smith. "We're pleased Panama and other trading partners are taking steps to align their import requirements with international standards that support full market access for U.S. cattle."
-- USDA news release