June 16, 2009
WHO declares pandemic, but no reason to restrict Canadian pork trade
The World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration on Thursday (June 11) of the AH1N1 flu virus' spread as a phase 6 pandemic is no reason to further restrict trade with Canada, federal ministers warn.
Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz said that while the situation is serious, the WHO has recommended that international borders remain open and that trade and commerce continue to move freely.
Canadian Pork International executive director Jacques Pomerleau said the country's pork exports are down by about one-fifth since the appearance of what was originally tabbed "swine flu".
Pomerleau said US pork exports shrank 21 percent in April, year over year, and Canada appears to be following suit.
Ritz said some trade partners are still maintaining restrictions on Canadian imports, without any scientifically justifiable evidence to support the ban.
So far, fourteen countries still have bans or restrictions on Canadian live hogs or pork meat, even though the AH1N1 flu virus is being transmitted human-to-human.
Restrictions on Canadian pork meat are still in place in a range of countries from Albania to Ecuador to Thailand, but the three major markets that have slapped at least partial bans are China, Russia and Ukraine.
Russia has lifted a ban on live swine and pork products from British Columbia and Alberta, but maintains the ban on animals from Ontario and Quebec.
While China has not banned Canadian meat outright, Pomerleau said some of its trade rules for pigs are impractical and have the same effect as a ban.
Ritz also reiterated that it is important for consumers to remember the international scientific community agrees AH1N1 flu virus cannot be transmitted through properly cooked meat.
The WHO's declaration of a phase 6 pandemic means the AH1N1 flu virus has caused sustained community-level outbreaks in more than one continental region.
Canadian pork exports were valued at CA$2.7 billion in 2008, including nearly CA$527 million worth of Canadian live swine exports.
US$1 = CA$1.133 (June 16)
