USDA says Canadian cattle pose 'minimal risk'
CTV.ca News Staff
The U.S. border could open up to live Canadian cattle under 30 months of age within a couple of months, thanks to a new classification system for countries that are considered "minimal risk regions" for mad cow disease.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.
Canada will be the first country recognized as a minimal-risk region. The new rules take effect March 7.
"We are committed to ensuring that our regulatory approach keeps pace with the body of scientific knowledge about BSE," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman.
"After conducting an extensive review, we are confident that imports of certain commodities from regions of minimal risk can occur with virtually no risk to human or animal health. Our approach is consistent with guidelines established by the World Organization for Animal Health, or OIE, and relies on appropriate, science- based risk mitigation measures."
Canadian beef producers estimate they've lost more than $4 billion since a BSE-infected cow was found in Alberta back in May 2003.
That prompted the U.S. ban all imports of Canadian beef products. While exports of beef from younger cattle have since resumed, live cattle and meat from older animals remain shut out.
CTV.ca News Staff
The U.S. border could open up to live Canadian cattle under 30 months of age within a couple of months, thanks to a new classification system for countries that are considered "minimal risk regions" for mad cow disease.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture made the announcement Wednesday afternoon.
Canada will be the first country recognized as a minimal-risk region. The new rules take effect March 7.
"We are committed to ensuring that our regulatory approach keeps pace with the body of scientific knowledge about BSE," said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman.
"After conducting an extensive review, we are confident that imports of certain commodities from regions of minimal risk can occur with virtually no risk to human or animal health. Our approach is consistent with guidelines established by the World Organization for Animal Health, or OIE, and relies on appropriate, science- based risk mitigation measures."
Canadian beef producers estimate they've lost more than $4 billion since a BSE-infected cow was found in Alberta back in May 2003.
That prompted the U.S. ban all imports of Canadian beef products. While exports of beef from younger cattle have since resumed, live cattle and meat from older animals remain shut out.
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