January 7, 2004

 

 

DNA Test Shouldn't Impede US-Canada Border Opening

 

DNA confirmation Tuesday that the cow that tested positive in the U.S. for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad- cow disease, was born in Canada is not expected to impede the reopening of the U.S. border to Canadian live cattle, according to Canada's Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Bob Speller.

 

"I've spoken with USDA Secretary Ann Veneman today to discuss the current situation and continue to make a case for reopening the U.S. border to Canadian live cattle based on a sound scientific rationale," Speller said, adding there is no reason not to reopen the border based on the data.

 

Speller also announced that he will meet with Veneman on Jan. 16 to further discuss the DNA testing and resumption of trade of live cattle.

 

Analysis of the DNA testing showed the BSE-infected cow was born on an Alberta farm, Speller said. "However, there are still a number of outstanding questions that need to be answered such as how and when the cow became infected."

 

Over the past five years, 6.3 million head of live cattle have crossed from Canada into the U.S. while 1.0 million have been imported into Canada from the U.S., Speller pointed out in an effort to show how integrated the two markets really are.

 

"I think it is important to note that the North American industry if fully integrated and that the cow in question could have easily originated in either the U.S or Canada," Speller said. "The fact is that this animal may have been sired by a bull in the U.S. (and) was born in Canada, before being exported to the U.S."

 

He also said there was significant two-way trade in regard to the feed that may have eventually led to the BSE incident.

 

Speller also announced that he will make a special trip to Japan, South Korea and Mexico later this week to meet with senior representatives of those countries in an effort to reopen borders to Canadian beef.

 

"Our prime objective has always been the safety of food for consumers in both Canada and around the world," Speller said. "The latest finding of an infected cow with BSE does not change our assessment of the situation in North America with respect to the safety of the food supply."