OKLAHOMA CITY -- State agriculture and cattle experts praised a federal judge's decision Wednesday to prevent Canadian cattle from entering the United States.

The border has been closed since May 2003, when mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy, was discovered in Canada.

"I think it's a good decision," said Rob Fisher, president of the Oklahoma National Stockyards Co. "I've been concerned because of the last couple cases of mad cow disease they found in Canada. They didn't quite have everything in order, and I think they need to do that."

He said the decision will help cattle producers because an influx of cattle from Canada could drive U.S. cattle prices down.

Jack Carson, spokesman for the state Agriculture, Food and Forestry Department, said his department was pleased with the decision. He said state Agriculture Secretary Terry Peach thinks the border should eventually open, but only slowly.

Carson estimated that as many as 2 million cattle could have moved into the country if the judge had ruled otherwise.

The Canadian cattle industry has been devastated by the U.S. beef ban, with losses amounting to about $5.6 billion.

Oklahoma Farmers Union President Ray L. Wulf said in a news release the U.S. needs to regain export markets before allowing more imports.

"We do not want to water down the safety guidelines that have been in place and have, to date, protected the U.S. beef supply," he said.

Bill Rosser, manager of Wheeler Brothers Feedlot in Watonga, said the border should be opened.

"Personally, in the short-term, the border being shut is a benefit to whoever owns cattle," he said. "I own cattle. But long-term, I think it is detrimental to the industry. I would rather look at the big picture. I may be wrong, but that is how I see it."

Canadian officials said they found a new case of the disease Jan. 11. R-CALF USA (Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund, United Stockgrowers of America) sought the injunction.