May 31, 2007

Australia fumes over OIE's "negligible BSE-risk" decision on its beef

Australian beef producers have lashed the decision of the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE) to rate the country as one with negligible risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The Australian Beef Association believes that the country should be designated BSE-free and slammed OIE for its "seemingly irrational re-classifications".

ABA Chairman Brad Bellinger said the OIE's position on Canadian and US beef are absurd stating US has three cases of BSE, all born more than 11 years ago and Canada with over 20 cases with the most recent new case just two weeks ago.

He said OIE's decision is an apparent pressure by the USDA.

The chairman also said the decision will harm US producers if Canadian beef from older cattle will enter the American market. US beef is the ground setter for Australian beef price. He also said R-CALF USA, ABA's counterpart, is also at one in criticising OIE's ruling.

He added that the OIE's decision has also alarmed other producer groups globally, with South Korean beef producers, being faced with imports of beef not only from the USA but with the prospect of Canadian beef now entering their system.

Bellinger said OIE's verdict could also force Australia to accept US and Canada beef.