Check-off at Work | CCA pleased Canada is one step closer to attaining BSE negligible risk status

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased with the Government of Canada’s announcement today that sees Canada one step closer to be recognized as Negligible Risk by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). 

Today marks an important step forward for the Canadian beef industry. Final approval is subject to a vote at the 88th General Assembly of the OIE. Negligible risk status would help facilitate expanded access to foreign markets for various products currently limited by BSE era restrictions. 

“The recommendation by the OIE’s Scientific Commission to grant Canada the negligible status for BSE risk is an important first step,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. “CCA respects the OIE review process and will await the final determination in May.” 

CCA worked closely with the Government of Canada to see this application come to fruition. Member countries now have sixty days to ask for any information included in the BSE dossier from Canada. The recommendation will then be put to vote by the delegates at the 88th General Assembly at the end of May. 

For more information, please see the Government of Canada news release here.