Canada one step closer to negligible BSE status after committee review

The Scientific Commission of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has determined Canada’s application to change its bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) status from a controlled-risk country to one of negligible risks

by Kelsey Johnson – The Sprout

This BSE determination means Canada meets the necessary requirements and the OIE has sent its recommendation to the broader  delegation, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada says.

An official vote on Canada’s application to change its BSE status is expected to take place at the end of May when the OIE meets for its next World Assembly of OIE Delegates General Session.

“Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said a change Canada’s BSE status from controlled to negligible would  “help secure and negotiate access for Canadian cattle and beef products”

 

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada said a change Canada’s BSE status from controlled to negligible would  “help secure and negotiate access for Canadian cattle and beef products to trade markets that require products to originate from negligible BSE-risk status countries.”

Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said Friday the committee’s recommendation was an important step in Canada’s application process. “Although we still need to await the final vote, I am optimistic that this will soon allow (beef producers)  to expand their markets for cattle and beef exports to the U.S. and other foreign markets,” she said.

You can find the full Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada release here.