Main Page - Bluetongue
OTTAWA, July 10, 2006 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has revised its
import policy, based on an updated scientific risk analysis, to eliminate current
bluetongue-related control measures for cattle, sheep and other ruminants imported from
the United States.
Bluetongue can affect wild and domestic ruminant animals but does not pose any human
health risk. CFIA animal health experts have determined that the potential for bluetongue
to spread in Canada, both in livestock and wildlife, is very limited. The insect that
spreads the disease is not present in eastern Canada and has been shown to have a poor
capacity to spread the disease in western Canada. Furthermore, climatic conditions limit
potential transmission to only a short period each year, within a restricted geographic
region.
As a precaution, the CFIA will enhance its bluetongue surveillance, moving from
triennial to annual monitoring. This activity, coupled with ongoing research and risk
assessments, is intended to provide ongoing confirmation that risks to Canadian livestock
and wildlife remain very low.
The CFIAs import controls are designed to effectively mitigate the risks posed by
foreign animal diseases. These measures are reviewed periodically to ensure that they
reflect the most current scientific information, remain effective and do not impose
unwarranted trade restrictions. In line with this approach, Canada has reviewed and
revised its bluetongue import controls for animals from the United States several times as
more has been learned about the disease and the relevant risk factors present in Canada.
Changes to the policy were developed in consultation with a range of stakeholders,
including provincial governments, animal health experts and industry. Regulatory processes
needed to bring the revised policy into effect will be completed in the coming months. In
the interim, the CFIA will continue to work closely with implicated sectors, particularly
breeding animals and livestock genetics, to develop strategies aimed at engaging trading
partners and maintaining current market access.
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For more information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: (613) 228-6682
