Colombia ends ban on beef from US states with bird flu in dairy cows

Wagyu cattle graze near Blanchard

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Colombia has lifted restrictions on imports of U.S. beef from states where dairy cattle tested positive for bird flu, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture website.

Colombia in April became the only country to officially limit trade in U.S. beef due to bird flu in cows, broadening the economic impact of the virus that has restricted poultry trade globally.

The U.S. Meat Export Federation, a trade group, confirmed Colombia lifted its restrictions.

More than 230 dairy herds in 14 U.S. states have tested positive for bird flu since March, according to USDA.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek)