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BSE in North America | Latest News | Agricultural Trade

Washington, DC, February 9, 2005 —"Each country is the largest customer for the other's food and agriculture products. In addition, our farm economies and our markets are significantly integrated. Thus, it is important that we stay keenly aware of developments and issues that affect us both and be able to deal with them effectively." — USDA Secretary Mike Johanns and AAFC Minister Andrew Mitchell in a Joint Statement

Canada's Position

The Big Picture: The continued closure of the US border for live cattle and certain beef products from Canada is having a corrosive effect on Canada-US relations. The closure has seriously disrupted the highly integrated and efficient North American beef industry and is causing tremendous harm to Canadian beef producers. Many in Canada believe that the science is taking a back seat to politically active protectionist groups who would benefit from the continued closure of the border. Canada is seeking the immediate opening of the US border to Canadian cattle and beef products.

BSE in North America

Through Canada’s BSE surveillance program the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed 3 cases of BSE in Canadian cattle. In all 3 cases no meat from the animals entered the human food system.

Case 1 – May 20, 2003: A comprehensive investigation was completed that tested some 2,000 animals. All test results were negative for BSE.

Case 2 – January 2, 2005: The investigation is complete. All test results on animals from the birth cohort of the positive cow were negative for BSE.

Case 3 – January 11, 2005: The investigation is complete.

Investigation into January 11 BSE Case Concludes

Report of the Investigation

Questions and Answers