OIE says America is BSE Free?

[kato]

Indonesia has lifted its ban on imports of U.S. beef, becoming one of the first countries besides Mexico and Canada to resume their imports of U.S. beef since such shipments were halted by many countries after the U.S. announced it found its first case of BSE on Dec. 23, 2003.

U.S. beef accounted for only 4% (6,500 metric tons -- MT) of Indonesia's imports, as they take most of their supplies from Australia and New Zealand.

However, this is still being taken as a positive sign since Indonesia cited a determination last week by the OIE (international animal health organization) that the U.S. was now considered to be BSE free. This may prompt other countries to follow up and resume their imports of U.S. beef.

Japan, the largest buyer of U.S. beef, still has a ban in place and talks between the two sides are ongoing. U.S. officials are hopeful that early fall will bring a resumption of access to the Japanese market.

[PureCountry]

This one blows my friggin mind. If we supposedly cannot access the Japanese market without 100% BSE testing, why in hell can the US be negotiating with them? Why aren't our fearless friggin leaders earning their tax and/or checkoff dollars and getting our two cents worth in? What the hell is it with our country? Are we just earmarked to always take the shit end of the stick? We're like the little brother the US always beats down and mistreats. I hope one of these days we damn well stand up and hit back. I'm getting sick and tired of hearing how much we give and get dick-all in return.

And yes, I have had a bad day. But I feel better now.

[kato]

I got that clip off of Ranchers.net. I haven't been able to find any other reference to it anywhere. Whoever posted it didn't say where he got it from.

Maybe it was a figment of someone's imagination?

Sure hope so.

[Incognito]

Indonesia Resumes Imports of U.S. Beef


From Pro Farmer

Roger Bernard

Indonesia has lifted its ban on imports of U.S. beef, becoming one of the first countries besides Mexico and Canada to resume their imports of U.S. beef since such shipments were halted by many countries after the U.S. announced it found its first case of BSE on Dec. 23, 2003.

U.S. beef accounted for only 4% (6,500 metric tons -- MT) of Indonesia's imports, as they take most of their supplies from Australia and New Zealand.

However, this is still being taken as a positive sign since Indonesia cited a determination last week by the OIE (international animal health organization) that the U.S. was now considered to be BSE free. This may prompt other countries to follow up and resume their imports of U.S. beef.

Japan, the largest buyer of U.S. beef, still has a ban in place and talks between the two sides are ongoing. U.S. officials are hopeful that early fall will bring a resumption of access to the Japanese market.

[kato]

OK, so if the OIE's opinion is SO important when the Americans want to export, why does it mean NOTHING when the same OIE say's there's no reason for other countries to refuse Canadian cattle born after the feed ban?

Somebody please explain that!

As if I can't guess ....