July 11, 2006

Canadian cattle producers hail changes to bluetongue import policy

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency's decision to lift bluetongue restrictions for all classes of cattle imported year round into Canada from the United States received accolades from the Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) Monday (Jul 10).

CCA represents over 90,000 cattle producers in Canada.

CCA President, Hugh Lynch-Staunton, said the bluetongue restrictions, in place for decades, have been a constant thorn in the flesh for US beef producers and constitutes an unnecessary cost to the Canadian industry.

As more knowledge is gained about this disease, it became apparent that previous import restrictions were unnecessary, Lynch-Staunton noted

Bluetongue is an insect-borne disease affecting ruminant animals. The disease has little effect on cattle.

CCA said it would continue to normalise trade with the US, including the effort to lift all beef and live cattle restrictions.

Lynch-Staunton said the issue has been a thorn in the relationship between Canadian and US cattle producers, adding that the resolution of this issue should enable both countries to move forward.