Mexican government to lift ban on Arkansas poultry

The Mexican government is lifting a ban on Arkansas poultry that began in early 2015 following an avian flu discovery in Boone County.

Despite United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) tests showing the strain no longer exists in the region last year, Mexico wouldn’t reverse its ban.

U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., on Monday praised the move to lift the ban.

“I’m pleased that Mexico lifted its ban on Arkansas poultry products. It is important that producers in Arkansas are treated fairly, and as a leading producer of poultry, having access to export markets is important to Arkansas’s economy. Mexico is an important market for the industry and I’m excited for the opportunity for Arkansas poultry producers and businesses,” Boozman said in a statement.

Boozman used his office to lobby the Mexican government to lift the ban on Arkansas poultry producers.