[JURIST] A US Department of Agriculture [official website] spokesperson said Thursday that the USDA will appeal yesterday's federal court decision to delay the re-opening of US border to cattle imports from Canada [JURIST report; injunction order and opinion (PDF)]. USDA spokesperson Ed Lloyd said that the court's injunction decision was not based on the merits of the case, but was focused on procedural issues. Lloyd said that the USDA remains confident in its minimal-risk rule [PDF text], which, if allowed to take effect, will reestablish trade with Canada for live cattle under 30 months of age. DTN has more.

Also Thursday, the US Senate [official website] voted 52-46 to overturn the USDA regulation [Senate resolution summary; roll call vote record], but the White House has indicated that President Bush will veto the measure should it reach his desk. A similar measure to prevent the resumption of Canadian cattle imports has been introduced in the House, but no vote has yet been scheduled. AP has more.