OIE Makes BSE Classifications

May 23, 2007 - The World Organization for Animal Health, or OIE, has formally classified the United States and Canada as controlled risk countries for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Both U.S. and Canadian agriculture officials stated the classification recognizes the various regulatory control measures in place to prevent BSE, and plan to use the international validation to urge trading partners to reopen export markets.

"This classification confirms what we have always contended - that U.S. regulatory controls are effective and that U.S. fresh beef and beef products from cattle of all ages can be safety traded due to our interlocking safeguards," stated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Mike Johanns. "We are notifying our trading partners of our expectation that they commit to a timeframe to amend import requirements and expand access to their markets to reflect this controlled risk determination."

"This categorization acknowledges the work done by all levels of government, the cattle industry, veterinarians, and ranchers to effectively manage and eventually eradicate BSE in Canada," stated Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. "We are confident that our trading partners will continue to recognize and respond positively to Canada's commitment to animal health and food safety, and that Canadian cattle will once again be sold throughout the world."

In early May, Canada confirmed its tenth case of BSE since May 2003.. The United States has reported three cases of BSE, the first in December 2003 in an imported dairy cow from Canada, and the others in July 2005 and March 2006 in two native animals.

Renderers Not Pleased with Classification

In response to the announcement, the National Renderers Association sent a letter to Johanns that said in part, “We understand the need to address beef export issues, but we also want to urge you to not forget the rendering industry in this process. The OIE recommendation that nations not import meat and bone meal from countries that are “controlled risk” is not defendable if importing nations have an effective feed ban in place. At a minimum we would hope that the USDA would be objecting to the above standard on these grounds.”


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