February 6, 2007

Canada eliminates bluetongue-testing rule

The Canadian government has eliminated all bluetongue-related import restrictions on US cattle entering Canada.

The decision came in wake of strong arguments from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) which fought long and hard on this issue. The NCBA felt the restrictions were costly and unnecessary.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has also reduced testing requirements for anaplasmosis, based on advances in diagnostic testing for the disease.

Canada's new government was committed to protecting and supporting the agricultural industry, said Chuck Strahl, minister of agriculture and agri-food and minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, in a news release.