February 22, 2013

The Scientific Commission for the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has recommended that the US' risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) be upgraded to negligible risk.

US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement about notification received from the Scientific Commission for the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recommending that the US' risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) be upgraded to negligible risk, "I am very pleased with this decision and recommendation by the OIE's Scientific Commission. This is a significant achievement for the US, American beef producers and businesses, and federal and state partners who work in coordination to maintain a system of three interlocking safeguards against BSE that protect our public and animal health. Being classified as negligible risk for BSE by the OIE will also greatly support our efforts to increase exports of US beef and beef products."

However, as of now, China maintains that all poultry and poultry products shipped on or after January 28, 2013, from the State of New York are ineligible for export to China.

Last year, the US submitted an application and supporting information to the OIE's Scientific Commission to upgrade the US' risk classification from controlled to negligible. The Commission, in turn, conducted a thorough review before recommending that the risk classification for the US be upgraded to negligible. Before the OIE's annual General Assembly meeting in Paris, France, in May 2013, delegate countries will have the opportunity to review the Commission's recommendation. The US expects that formal adoption of negligible risk status for the US will occur at the General Assembly meeting in May, when it is considered.

The OIE determines a country's risk status based on actions the country has taken to manage the risk of the disease. These actions include instituting a strong ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban, strictly controlling imports of animals and animal products from countries at risk for the disease, and conducting appropriate surveillance.

The OIE Code, which is based on the latest science and current knowledge concerning BSE, provides guidelines for the safe trade of animals and products based on the country's risk status and the risk presented by the specific item being traded. Negligible risk is the lowest risk level under the OIE Code. Countries defined as negligible risk have conducted extensive surveillance and testing in domestic cattle to demonstrate a minimal risk for BSE.

The OIE administers and governs the foundational international standards on animal health as well as trade in livestock and animal products. With a total of 178 Member Countries, including the US, the OIE is recognised as a reference organisation by the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the only global international organisation dealing with the rules of trade between nations. The official recognition of disease status by OIE of Member Countries is of great significance for international trade and constitutes one of the most important links between the OIE and WTO.