BSE ...
Work Continues To Reopen Beef Markets
Although the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) recent case in a Texas animal has not helped the cause, both USMEF and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are engaged in strong and continuing efforts to reopen the markets closed to U.S. beef. USDA Secretary Mike Johanns has made the U.S. beef situation his highest priority since he became agriculture secretary in January. He recently had meetings in China with various representatives of foreign governments including his Japanese counterpart. USMEF is looking forward to the arrival of a Chinese technical team in October, which will discuss the reopening of China to U.S. beef. Fuller discussions with Russia are also underway. Johanns’s determination for a greater dialogue and to keep attention on the ultimate goal of reopening the markets has been reflected in his actions. USDA Chief Veterinarian John Clifford has written to all foreign chief veterinary officers with a strong emphasis on international acceptance of the revised BSE protocols recently agreed to by the World Organization for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties, OIE) and informing them of the current status of the BSE case epidemiological study. The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is working closely with U.S. Embassy officials around the world to provide talking points and technical information to help our trading partners see that the U.S. beef supply is safe and the market should be reopened. USMEF is helping with logistical and technical advice. These and other contacts continue although there is a general feeling that the closed markets are waiting on the results of the epidemiological study of herd mates and offspring of the Texas BSE case. Russia, for instance, is insisting on consultation with the U.S. to discuss the BSE situation as a direct result of the Texas case.
Canada
Johanns ‘Applauds’ Court Decision To Open Border To Canadian Cattle
USDA Secretary Mike Johanns “applauded” a U.S. Federal Court decision to allow immediate imports of Canadian cattle: "USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is already in contact with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to prepare to certify cattle for shipment. We have been safely importing boneless boxed beef from Canada since September 2003, and now we will use the scientific approach laid-out in our minimal risk rule to once again safely import live Canadian cattle for processing.”
Johanns also pointed out that the decision adds to the credibility of U.S. attempts to open markets to U.S. beef: “It also bolsters our position with other international trading partners by following the very advice we have given them to base trade decisions on sound science."
In a Web cast today (July 15), Johanns said that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will send standard operating procedures to field offices and customs posts and FSIS would prepare a list of approved products so that the ruling could be put into effect as soon as possible.
Work Continues To Reopen Beef Markets
Although the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) recent case in a Texas animal has not helped the cause, both USMEF and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are engaged in strong and continuing efforts to reopen the markets closed to U.S. beef. USDA Secretary Mike Johanns has made the U.S. beef situation his highest priority since he became agriculture secretary in January. He recently had meetings in China with various representatives of foreign governments including his Japanese counterpart. USMEF is looking forward to the arrival of a Chinese technical team in October, which will discuss the reopening of China to U.S. beef. Fuller discussions with Russia are also underway. Johanns’s determination for a greater dialogue and to keep attention on the ultimate goal of reopening the markets has been reflected in his actions. USDA Chief Veterinarian John Clifford has written to all foreign chief veterinary officers with a strong emphasis on international acceptance of the revised BSE protocols recently agreed to by the World Organization for Animal Health (Office International des Epizooties, OIE) and informing them of the current status of the BSE case epidemiological study. The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is working closely with U.S. Embassy officials around the world to provide talking points and technical information to help our trading partners see that the U.S. beef supply is safe and the market should be reopened. USMEF is helping with logistical and technical advice. These and other contacts continue although there is a general feeling that the closed markets are waiting on the results of the epidemiological study of herd mates and offspring of the Texas BSE case. Russia, for instance, is insisting on consultation with the U.S. to discuss the BSE situation as a direct result of the Texas case.
Canada
Johanns ‘Applauds’ Court Decision To Open Border To Canadian Cattle
USDA Secretary Mike Johanns “applauded” a U.S. Federal Court decision to allow immediate imports of Canadian cattle: "USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is already in contact with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to prepare to certify cattle for shipment. We have been safely importing boneless boxed beef from Canada since September 2003, and now we will use the scientific approach laid-out in our minimal risk rule to once again safely import live Canadian cattle for processing.”
Johanns also pointed out that the decision adds to the credibility of U.S. attempts to open markets to U.S. beef: “It also bolsters our position with other international trading partners by following the very advice we have given them to base trade decisions on sound science."
In a Web cast today (July 15), Johanns said that the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will send standard operating procedures to field offices and customs posts and FSIS would prepare a list of approved products so that the ruling could be put into effect as soon as possible.