Do you think they're impressed?

[frustrated1]

Does anyone else find it peculiar or interesting that the "non negative" BS case(s) have occured as the Japanese delegation are touring Colorado feedlots and packing plants?(CP news)
Three(?) weeks ago the Texas cow gets swept under the rug and now non negatives are making news to show how wonderful and sensitive these tests are. At least while the Japanese are here. Just my cynical nature I guess, maybe they're impressed. Let's hope so.

[blackjack]

fustrated1... I wish the USDA and the cattle associations whether there from the US or Canada would take their propaganda and stuff it... where the sun don't shine..

[ALICIA]

It is a funny world. Thing were eather negitive or positive. Is a non negitive a political correct work these days.

[kato]

It's sad to have become so cynical, but you might have a point.

Statement By Dr. Peter Fernandez Of The Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service For The U.S. BSE Technical Working Group

June 30, 2004




“The U.S./Japan Technical BSE Working Group today concluded its second of three meetings with the objective of establishing a thorough review of the available information on BSE.

“The three days of discussions and tours, held in Fort Collins, Colo., provided the team members with the opportunity to have an in-depth dialogue on several key issues, including:

--The definition of BSE and methods of testing;
--The definition of Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) and methods for removal;
--The appropriate level and focus of surveillance;
--Risk assessment; and
--Feed ban implementation, among others.

“Our tours of a slaughter facility, feed lot and feed mill were important opportunities for the Japanese members of the working group to witness the implementation of U.S. BSE safeguards, our rigorous enforcement of these safeguards and the compliance by industry.

“We also informed the Japanese of the status of the two inconclusive BSE test results we have received as part of our enhanced BSE surveillance program. We shared with them the USDA statement announcing that the inconclusive screening test sample reported on June 25 tested negative for BSE at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa upon confirmatory testing. Neither of these animals entered the human food chain, nor animal feed chain and we have assured the Japanese that we will keep them fully informed of any further developments of our ongoing investigation of the second inconclusive test.

“The meetings were successful in advancing our mutual understanding of each countries’ measures, their purpose and effectiveness. We look forward to our meeting in Japan next month where we will finalize our technical report that will serve as the basis for the discussions between our governments to establish the terms by which beef trade will resume.”

Maybe we need Fox Mulder working for us?

[rsomer]

The U.S. established a timeline with Japan. In hindsight, Canada should have done the same instead of being caught in a situation where the U.S. seems to be able to take all the time they want in getting around to opening our border.

[grassfarmer]

No I don't think they will be impressed frustrated1. I was calling producers last night ahead of the BIG-C rally in Ponoka and had a most interesting talk with a Japanese beef producer living fairly close to me. He has a unique perspective on the testing issue as he was cattle farming in Japan before he emigrated to Alberta 14 years ago. He says the Japanese will not drop their demands for tested cattle from the US and the Americans have still got to find that out. I tend to agree with him and will state again that it mirrors the same stupid, pig headed arrogance that the US has tried to shove down European consumers throats for over a decade now with regard to hormone fed beef. Let's get testing and let's lead the world beef exporting community by doing so.

[whiteface]

I have an extended Japaneese family by marriage (my uncle married a lovely Japaneese woman) and am happy to have gotten to know all of them and their culture. I also feel perhaps I am qualified to say on behalf of the Japaneese culture that no, here in North America, we aren't getting it. They want the meat tested. End of story. No stepping up surveillance, no treating them like their science is stupid, no waiting until their most successful fast food chain goes under and pressures their government. Thanks rsomer for mentioning a viewpoint from Japaneese persons perspective, especially one that lived there. We're waaaaay ahead of the states for getting our meat exported (anywhere) again, let's not be arrogant, let's give the customer what they want. Today is as good as any to start!

[whiteface]

My apologies grassfarmer, I had typed rsomers name in the space I had intended for your name. Thank you rsomer for the details you provide our forum but thanks to grassfarmer for the information regarding insight to Japaneese wishes.