January 27, 2006

Canadian beef exports to continue despite mad cow disease
 

Canada's ability to export live animals, beef and beef products remains intact as it has conformed to World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines and certification recommendations, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced in a news release Thursday.

The claim was backed by the US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns who declared that the status of beef imports to the US from Canada remains unchanged. He also added that he places great confidence in the safeguards Canada and the US have put in place to protect beef supplies.

The latest case of mad cow disease was found in a six-year-old cross-bred cow born and raised in Alberta.

This is the fourth case of mad cow disease in Canada since May 2003.

CFIA maintains that the latest case does not indicate an increased risk and in fact it had been expected. Canada has frequently stated the possibility of a small number of additional cases, said the agency.

Exports to Japan have not been affected by the latest case, according to Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) spokeswoman Cindy McCreath, although it might be too early to judge at this stage. Currently, Canadian officials are trying to reassure Japanese health officials of the safety of Canadian beef imports.

Since Japan has banned US beef, Canadian imports may well increase if it manages to maintain the status quo.

Japan banned US beef imports after bits of spinal cord were found in a US shipment last week. The ban came only one month after Japan lifted its two-year-old ban to allow beef imports from the US and Canada.