June 19, 2007              

CFIA to impose new feed regulations

Cattle producers, abattoirs and other players in the beef industry has been urged to prepare for new feed regulations imposed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) which will take effect July 12 this year.

The enhanced feed ban is hoped to accelerate Canada's fight against complete eradication of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) from the national herd as well as to protect local breed from feed contamination.

The new regulation is also aimed to increase market access opportunities as well as an effort to maintain Canada's status as a controlled risk country for BSE from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

Effective July 12, a CFIA permit will be required to transport and receive SRM in any form. This system will allow the CFIA to verify that SRM does not enter the animal feed system.

In addition, livestock producers must no longer use any feed products containing specified risk material (SRM).

Cattle tissues capable of transmitting BSE, specified risk material (SRM), are being banned from all animal feed, pet food and fertiliser. As a result, there are new requirements for anyone handling, transporting or disposing of cattle remains, including renderers, fertiliser, pet food and feed manufacturers, waste management facilities and veterinarians.