The opossum (pest) situation is of real concern, not only from a forest preservation and erosion point of view, but from a disease and consequent market access view. While Jack is a long way from...

The opossum (pest) situation is of real concern, not only from a forest preservation and erosion point of view, but from a disease and consequent market access view. While Jack is a long way from forest regions and the opossum population is very low, there is talk that the US government will impose restrictions on all beef exports due to the slim chance of TB contamination from opossums. Some commentators argue that the restrictions relate more to local politics than to reality, but nevertheless they are a serious threat to market access. It will be some months before the situation will be clear.