OTTAWA, February 2, 2007 The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of
Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister for the Canadian Wheat Board, today
introduced new import regulations that allow greater access for cattle, sheep,
goats and other ruminant animals from the United States.
"Canada's New Government is committed to protecting and
supporting our agricultural industry and today's announcement is another
example of how we are working to help producers take advantage of market
opportunities," said Minister Strahl. "These changes reflect
advances in Canada's disease surveillance capacity, as well as the
current international standards, which allow trade to flow as openly as
possible while continuing to protect our food supply and the animal resources
on which it is based."
Effective immediately, U.S. cattle can enter Canada without any
bluetongue-related import requirements. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA) is also reducing testing requirements for anaplasmosis, based on
enhancements to diagnostic tests. Neither of these diseases poses a risk to
human health.
In addition, sheep, goats and other small ruminants, which were previously
banned from entering Canada, will be able to be imported for breeding purposes
under certain conditions.
Canada's new import regulations and policies draw from extensive
consultations and analyses. Directed by science, Canada has previously revised
its import approach on numerous occasions with a view to mitigating disease
risks using the least restrictive means possible. Nonetheless, as a precaution,
the CFIA will also enhance its bluetongue surveillance program.
The new regulations will use a permit-based system for most ruminant animals
imported from the U.S. This system enables the CFIA greater flexibility to
modify import requirements and to be responsive to changes in animal health
situations and international standards in a timely manner through adjustments
in import conditions.
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For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: (613) 228-6682
Main Page - Bluetongue
