MINISTER STRAHL ANNOUNCES FEWER IMPORT CONTROLS ON CATTLE, SHEEP AND GOATS

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

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