Import permit applications for ruminant products will be accepted from Canada

WASHINGTON – The USDA will begin accepting applications for import permits for certain ruminant derived products from Canada.

After review. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman Veneman temporarily halted imports of live ruminants and most ruminant products from Canada May 20 after a cow in Alberta was found to have bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE.

The announcement comes after a close review of the international standards set by the International Office of Epizootics, the standard-setting organization for animal health for 164 member nations.

An exhaustive epidemiological investigation into the case by Canada, during which no other animals were found to be infected was also conducted.

Additional risk mitigation measures have been put in place by Canada in response to a review of their investigation by an independent expert panel.

Veneman said that USDA weighed these and many other factors as it evaluated the risk, including the preventive measures that Canada had in place prior to the detection of BSE, such as import controls, feed bans and surveillance measures conducted at levels that met or exceeded the international standards.

Import permits. Based on these determinations, Veneman said that USDA will no longer prohibit the importation of hunter-harvested wild ruminant products intended for personal use and it will begin to accept applications for import permits for certain products from Canada, including:

* Boneless sheep or goat meat from animals under 12 months of age;

* Boneless bovine meat from cattle under 30 months of age;

* Boneless veal (meat) from calves that were 36 weeks of age or younger at slaughter;

* Fresh or frozen bovine liver;

* Vaccines for veterinary medicine for non-ruminant use; and

* Pet products and feed ingredients that contain processed animal protein and tallow of non-ruminant sources when produced in facilities with dedicated manufacturing lines.

Global impact. Veneman noted that the single BSE case in Canada and its impact on global trade call for an international dialogue on BSE to develop more practical, consistent guidance to countries regarding the resumption of trade with countries that have reported cases of BSE.

Veneman said that the United States, along with Mexico and Canada, have requested that the International Office of Epizootics include such a dialogue in an upcoming meeting of international experts in September.

“The current standards have been helpful in guiding countries with their risk mitigation efforts,” Veneman said.

Still learning. “But we are continually learning about this disease and the science is advancing. Many countries with and without BSE have taken new steps to control and prevent it.

“All this places the international community in a much better position today to develop a practical, risk-based approach to addressing safety issues that impact trade.

“Countries knowing they will be treated consistently and fairly will have greater incentive to conduct appropriate levels of surveillance and reporting of BSE as well as to demonstrate transparency with their trading partners.”

She added, “It is vital that we pursue this course so that there is consistency among trading partners and assurance to consumers around the world that their food supply is safe.”

Veneman said that a rulemaking process would begin immediately for the importation of live ruminants and ruminant products.

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USDA permitting process

WASHINGTON – Hunters can immediately begin bringing wild ruminant meat products intended for their personal use into the United States, but will need a “veterinary services special permit for the importation of hunter-harvested wild ruminant meat,” along with either a valid Canadian export certificate for game meat, or a copy of a valid hunting license or a valid hunting tag.

The permit can be downloaded from www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/issues/bse/bse.html or obtained by calling the APHIS National Center for Import and Export at 301-734-3277.

Certain other previously banned ruminant meat products may be imported with a “United States veterinary permit for importation and transportation of controlled material.”

The application can be completed on line at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/import_export.htm or can be downloaded from www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie. The application is also available by calling 301-734-3277.