Mexico | Export Certificate Veterinarian Signature Rule Not...
Mexico
Export Certificate Veterinarian Signature Rule Not Expected To Be Implemented
USMEF does not believe that Mexico will implement its new requirement that all U.S. meat and poultry export certificates from the U.S. must be signed by USDA/FSIS veterinarians, not by non-veterinarian inspectors, by the October 12 deadline. USMEF has learned that Mexican inspectors at border crossings have been informed that the requirement will not go into effect, but members should anticipate the possibility of delays.
Members experiencing problems should notify the USMEF technical services staff —Ann Spaeth, Paul Clayton or Kevin Smith — immediately at (303) 623-6328.
Japan
Health Ministry Finding Suggests New Type Of BSE In Young Animal
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) announced today (Oct. 6) that a “new type of BSE” was found in a 23-month-old Japanese Holstein steer. After an initial positive finding, a brain sample was examined by the National Institute of Epidemiology, which found evidence that the animal was Japan’s eighth case of BSE but also that the structure of the prion responsible was different from the prion that is known to cause BSE. Because of the difference, the MHLW will continue investigation on the exact cause of the new BSE.
A new type of BSE has still to be confirmed, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, but if it proves to be a new type, Japan may revise its testing methods. BSE has never been detected in an animal so young, which may lead to questions about BSE testing around the world and affect Japan’s acceptance of Canadian beef.
USMEF-Japan is closely monitoring media coverage, which so far has been restrained, and consumer reaction to the news.
This eighth case is in a Holstein steer from Ibaraki Prefecture near Tokyo. Japan's first BSE case was confirmed in September 2001 in Chiba Prefecture, also near Tokyo. The other cases turned up in Hokkaido, Gunma, Kanagawa and Wakayama prefectures, from northern to western Japan. The last case before this one was in January 2003.
Last month, a MAFF panel said the source of the BSE outbreak in Japan was either cows imported from Britain in the 1980s or Italian-made MBM imported before 1990, but was unable to determine which of the two sources was responsible. It said there could be over 30 additional cattle in Japan with BSE.
Mexico
Mexico To File For WTO Safeguard On Beef
The government of Mexico has informed the U.S. that it will pursue a World Trade Organization (WTO) safeguard action, claiming a surge in beef imports from the U.S., Australia and New Zealand during the period January to June 2002 injured its domestic beef producers. The petition for action was filed by Mexican producer and feeder organizations and is expected to become official with its publication in the Diario Oficial, the federal register of Mexico, which is expected on or before Wednesday of this week. Although details remain sketchy, the action is believed to include fresh, chilled and frozen beef carcasses, bone-in and boneless beef. By Mexican law, the countries named will have 30 business days to answer, starting on the day of publication; the petitioners then have eight working days to respond to those answers. The entire process is expected to take up to a year. USMEF will provide additional details as they become available.
Mexico
Export Certificate Veterinarian Signature Rule Not Expected To Be Implemented
USMEF does not believe that Mexico will implement its new requirement that all U.S. meat and poultry export certificates from the U.S. must be signed by USDA/FSIS veterinarians, not by non-veterinarian inspectors, by the October 12 deadline. USMEF has learned that Mexican inspectors at border crossings have been informed that the requirement will not go into effect, but members should anticipate the possibility of delays.
Members experiencing problems should notify the USMEF technical services staff —Ann Spaeth, Paul Clayton or Kevin Smith — immediately at (303) 623-6328.
Japan
Health Ministry Finding Suggests New Type Of BSE In Young Animal
Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) announced today (Oct. 6) that a “new type of BSE” was found in a 23-month-old Japanese Holstein steer. After an initial positive finding, a brain sample was examined by the National Institute of Epidemiology, which found evidence that the animal was Japan’s eighth case of BSE but also that the structure of the prion responsible was different from the prion that is known to cause BSE. Because of the difference, the MHLW will continue investigation on the exact cause of the new BSE.
A new type of BSE has still to be confirmed, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, but if it proves to be a new type, Japan may revise its testing methods. BSE has never been detected in an animal so young, which may lead to questions about BSE testing around the world and affect Japan’s acceptance of Canadian beef.
USMEF-Japan is closely monitoring media coverage, which so far has been restrained, and consumer reaction to the news.
This eighth case is in a Holstein steer from Ibaraki Prefecture near Tokyo. Japan's first BSE case was confirmed in September 2001 in Chiba Prefecture, also near Tokyo. The other cases turned up in Hokkaido, Gunma, Kanagawa and Wakayama prefectures, from northern to western Japan. The last case before this one was in January 2003.
Last month, a MAFF panel said the source of the BSE outbreak in Japan was either cows imported from Britain in the 1980s or Italian-made MBM imported before 1990, but was unable to determine which of the two sources was responsible. It said there could be over 30 additional cattle in Japan with BSE.
Mexico
Mexico To File For WTO Safeguard On Beef
The government of Mexico has informed the U.S. that it will pursue a World Trade Organization (WTO) safeguard action, claiming a surge in beef imports from the U.S., Australia and New Zealand during the period January to June 2002 injured its domestic beef producers. The petition for action was filed by Mexican producer and feeder organizations and is expected to become official with its publication in the Diario Oficial, the federal register of Mexico, which is expected on or before Wednesday of this week. Although details remain sketchy, the action is believed to include fresh, chilled and frozen beef carcasses, bone-in and boneless beef. By Mexican law, the countries named will have 30 business days to answer, starting on the day of publication; the petitioners then have eight working days to respond to those answers. The entire process is expected to take up to a year. USMEF will provide additional details as they become available.