OIE Recognizes Canada's BSE Surveillance and Eradication Programs

PARIS, France, May 22, 2007 - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, today issued the following statement from the 75^th General Session of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

"I am very pleased to announce that Canada has been officially categorized by the OIE as a Controlled BSE Risk country. This status clearly recognizes the effectiveness of Canada's surveillance, mitigation and eradication measures.

This categorization acknowledges the work done by all levels of government, the cattle industry, veterinarians, and ranchers to effectively manage and eventually eradicate BSE in Canada. We will continue to work together on initiatives, such as the recently announced enhanced feed ban, to maintain and improve upon this status in the coming years.

The OIE's science-based categorization system provides the framework for fair and standardized international trade based on safeguards agreed to by member countries. With this controlled risk categorization, we are confident that our trading partners will continue to recognize and respond positively to Canada's commitment to animal health and food safety, and that Canadian cattle will once again be sold throughout the world."

For information about the OIE risk categorization system, please see the fact sheet on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/
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