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Statement by The Honourable Bob Speller
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister Responsible for the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
OTTAWA, December 30, 2003 – "Today, American authorities announced
that the United States will be introducing new measures that further strengthen
the integrated North American response to mitigate BSE risks and prevent the spread
of the disease.
I applaud the U.S. announcement as
further testament to the commitment and vigilance we share in protecting North
American public and animal health. The new U.S. measures closely align with many of the
safeguards Canada has in place. Furthermore, I commend the U.S. commitment to invite an international team to
review the American investigation, as was done in Canada following our
investigation earlier this year.
Since being introduced in 1992, Canada’s surveillance program has been
expanded and enhanced to reflect changes in international standards, enhanced
understanding of BSE and technological advances.
Canada’s current surveillance program tests those animals most at risk of
having BSE. All
animals tested at slaughter, which may include so called "downer"
animals–those unable to stand–and any animals exhibiting symptoms
compatible with BSE, are subject to the same
"test and hold" principle announced today by the U.S.
The safeguard announced concerning the removal of specified risk materials
at slaughter parallels measures previously announced in Canada. This is the
most critical measure to prevent potentially infectious material from entering
the food supply. In addition, Canada’s cattle identification program came
into effect in 2001.
The detection of BSE in Canada and the United
States, regardless of origin, has reinforced the reality of our integrated
North American market and the necessity for cohesive, appropriate and effective
measures on both sides of the border. In a telephone conversation today with
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann
Veneman, we confirmed our intention to continue to work closely on this
issue.
Given the historic integration of trade between Canada and the United
States, and the risk factors common to both countries, we are pursuing a North
American approach to BSE. It is my hope that we can
continue this cooperative spirit and together refine our respective BSE measures as we move
forward together to eradicate BSE from this continent in the
most effective manner possible."
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For more information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations(613) 228-6682
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