Comment from Anthony Corbo

Because the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced today (November 17, 2008) the discovery of a fifteenth case of bovine spongiform encepholapathy in its cattle herd since 2003, I strongly urge that APHIS prevents the importation of any over thirty month cattle and meat products from cattle over thirty months old from Canada. It is obvious that Canada has a BSE problem in its herd, so USDA should not endanger either our domestic animal herd or U.S. consumers with the introduction of this gruesome disease through the importation of either infected livestock or contaminated meat products from Canada. Since the latest case was born after the 1997 Canadian feed restrictions went into effect, it seems that the Canadian regulatory system is ineffective to prevent the spread of this disease. Furthermore, this cow would have been eligible for import into the United States under the proposed regulation. I have included the CFIA press release for your information. BSE CASE CONFIRMED IN BRITISH COLUMBIA OTTAWA, November 17, 2008 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a seven-year-old dairy cow from British Columbia. No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems. The animal’s birth farm has been identified, and an investigation is underway. The CFIA is tracing the animal's herdmates at the time of birth and examining possible sources of infection. The age and location of the infected animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada. This case was detected through the national BSE surveillance program, which has been highly successful in demonstrating the low level of BSE in Canada. The program continues to play an important role in Canada’s strategy to manage BSE. Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef. - 30 - For information: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Media relations: 613-228-6682