WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/SPS/GEN/415
23 July 2003
(03-3945)
Committee on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures Original:  English
UPDATE ON BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY (BSE)
Statement by Canada at the meeting held on 24-25 June 2003
Background
1. On 20 May 2003, Canada announced a confirmed case of BSE in a single Canadian cow.  The
case was detected as part of Canada’s active, targeted BSE surveillance program.  The discovery wasevidence that the Canadian system works.  Based on the results of our investigation to date, Canada
can say with confidence that this is an isolated case and that the Canadian food supply remains safe.
We dedicated all the necessary resources to undertake a comprehensive and thorough investigation.
2. Canada is open and willing to discuss the results of our investigation and to work with all
Members to ease restrictions on Canadian products, based on risk and sound scientific principles.
Results of our investigation
3. Rather than go into detailed results of Canada ’s investigation in this venue, I will just touch
briefly on some of the salient points.  We have maintained a completely open and public process
during the investigation.  I would encourage WTO Members to consult the details on the Canadian
Food Inspection Agency website.
4. We conducted a thorough and systematic analysis along three lines.  These included:
− a trace back - where the cow had been in its life;
− a trace forward - where its offspring went;  and
− a feed investigation - where the rendered products of the cow may have been
consumed and what feed sources the cow may have been exposed to during its life.
5. We placed 18 farms under quarantine.  These quarantines have all been lifted.  We tested all
animal samples from all three lines of investigation.  The test results - over 2,000 - were all negative.
The negative test results mean that the incidence of BSE in Canada remains confined to one cow.And no meat from the cow entered the human food chain.
6. Based on our investigation, we are confident that the Canadian food supply remains safe and
that our system is effective and sensitive - just as it was designed.  An enormous amount of work was
accomplished in a very short time and our investigation is now complete.  International experts
invited to Canada in early June agree that the Canadian investigation has reached its maximumpotential.G/SPS/GEN/415
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International review team
7. The international team was composed of four international BSE experts that had some
previous knowledge of the Canadian system.  The experts were not chosen for their affiliation with
any particular country or government, but rather their recognition as international experts.  The teamconsisted of Professor Ulrich Kihm, Professor Will Houston, Dr. Dagmar  Heim and Dr. Stuart
McDiarmid.
8. Canada considers itself fortunate to have obtained the input and advice of such recognized
experts from the international public and animal health community.  Canada requested that the panel
examine two specific areas.
(a) First, we asked that they review the approaches and techniques we have used in our
investigation.
(b) Secondly, Canada requested the team to review the proposed future policy
approaches that Canada is considering in order to further strengthen its inspection
system.
9. The international expert review team has praised the effectiveness of our investigation.  The
team was rigorous in its queries with our epidemiological team and they have validated our findingsand concurred that the active investigation stage has achieved its maximum potential.  It has also
recommended some regulatory adjustments to the already effective Canadian system, which we are
considering.  This report is now close to completion.  Through Canadian Embassies, we will be
distributing final copies of this report to all countries.  It will also be available on the CFIA website,
and we would naturally invite all countries to review this report.  In addition to reviewing Canada’sinvestigation and next steps, the international team praised Canada for its transparent approach and
likened Canada’s handling of this case as a model to be emulated.
International outreach
10. On the international front, we have worked hard to communicate with all countries in an
open, transparent, and comprehensive manner.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency website was
updated on a daily basis with detailed information about the investigation and background on
Canada’s policies and procedures.
11. At the time of the confirmation of BSE in Canada, Canada’s Chief Veterinary Officer was at
the Office international des Epizooties (OIE) General Session in Paris.  Canada took the opportunity
to advise the international veterinary community first-hand of the developments.  Canadian Embassies
around the world met with the veterinary services  of foreign governments to provide information
about the BSE diagnosis and our investigation.  Canadian officials also held briefing sessions for all
interested diplomatic missions in Ottawa.
12. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all countries who offered assistance and
expertise to Canada.  These gestures are very much appreciated.  In particular, United States
epidemiologists and veterinary officials assisted us in our investigation.  In addition, the UnitedKingdom offered its assistance and, in particular, its world reference laboratory at Weybridge
provided prompt confirmation of our diagnosis as well as subsequent testing services.
OIE exemptions for certain products
13. As you know, the OIE makes specific reference to a list of products which countries should
authorize without BSE-related restrictions, regardless of a country’s BSE status.  This list includesG/SPS/GEN/415
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commodities such as milk and milk products, semen and embryos, hides and skins.  Fortunately, most
WTO Members have not prohibited such products from Canada, recognizing the international
scientific consensus that these products do not pose a risk of transmission of BSE.  However, some
WTO Members have suspended imports of products fr om Canada that are clearly outside of the OIE
guidelines.  We are disappointed by this reaction and have contacted such governments directly,urging them to review these actions, based on scientific evidence and international consensus.
Products presenting no defined risk or negligible risk
14. In addition to the products exempted by the OIE, we are also asking WTO Members to
remove from the scope of their import measures, products, which according to well established and
internationally recognized science, present no defined risk or a negligible risk, within Canada’s
current regulatory framework.  This includes, but is not limited to:
− veal calves less than 36 weeks old for immediate slaughter;
− bovine animals less than 30 months for immediate slaughter;
− bovine meat from animals less than 30 months of age;
− sheep and goats for immediate slaughter and meat therefrom;
− wild caribou and muskox;  and
− non-ruminant pet food.
15. I want to make it very clear that our requests to  trading partners to re-establish quickly trade
in OIE-exempt products and negligible risk products is solidly based on science and should not beconnected in any way to any changes to Canadian regulatory policy.
Conclusion
16. We are proud of the fact that our system worked.  As I mentioned earlier, following Canadian
regulatory policy, no meat from the case animal entered the human food chain.  We are confident in
the thoroughness of the investigation and our continued ability to protect the health of the Canadian
public and produce safe products for export.
17. In summary:
− Our investigation, which we carried out in a very open and transparent manner,
supports the fact that our system in Canada is fundamentally sound;
− Our comprehensive investigation has revealed no additional occurrences;
− International experts have validated our investigation and the integrity of our system;
and
− We are committed to looking at any improvements necessary to further strengthen
our system.
18. We would ask all countries to review the details of our investigation and officials
accompanying me from Ottawa would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.G/SPS/GEN/415
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19. We also request that trading partners that have temporarily suspended imports from Canada,
lift these restrictions quickly on OIE-exempt products and low-risk products.  I have given you a few
examples of what these products are.
20. We will continue to work closely with all of you to re-establish trade on scientific and
risk-based principles.
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