U.S./Canada Issues Subcommittee

Importing cattle into Canada from the United States still faces several challenges, including the rules that govern disease surveillance. There are currently four diseases that Canada is concerned about. Each disease was discussed in the U.S./Canada Issues subcommittee.

The first disease, anaplasmosis is prevalent in the United States, but Canada claims to be free of the disease. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the disease would cost a significant amount to eradicate if it was introduced.

The National Veterinary Services Laboratory (NVSL) is conducting a serological survey of cattle in the northern United States to provide the CFIA with current information on the seroprevelance of anaplasmosis in U.S. cattle.

The second disease the subcommittee discussed was bluetongue, which Canada also claims to be free of, except for one area in British Columbia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to support studies that demonstrate the low risk of disease establishment within the northern tier of states. The United States and Canada are currently conducting studies in Montana, testing feeder animals for bluetongue.

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is the third disease that is causing concern for Canada. Representatives from the United States have been meeting with Canada to discuss reducing the restrictions imposed for movement of cattle. These reductions would include allowing the movement of cattle from TB-free states without requiring testing.

The fourth disease, bovine brucellosis was discussed by Canadian and U.S. officials in 2002. Like TB, officials in the United States are working on a rule that would allow the movement of cattle from disease-free states without testing.

Representatives from both the U.S. beef industry and Canadian beef industry discussed the differences the United States and Canada have in their TB rules. Even though there is still much to be discussed in trade negotiations, producers on the committee felt they were making process.

— Stephanie Veldman