Mad cow update: Canada adds import, downer controls

OTTAWA, Ontario – Canada is implementing both import and export restrictions as part of its efforts to manage bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad cow disease.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency issued import restrictions on live ruminants and their genetics, including bovines (other than cattle for immediate slaughter); sheep and goats; cervids (animals in the deer family); and ruminant embryos.

In-vivo derived cattle embryos collected and handled in accordance with the recommendations of the International Embryo Transfer Society are not subject to the restriction.

Llamas and alpacas are not affected by the import suspension.

Byproducts, too. The ban also includes animal products and ruminant byproducts, including ruminant edible meat and meat products.

Importation of U.S. products from a rendering plant including blood meal, meat and bone meal, spray dried blood and feather meal, from any species including porcine or avian is also temporarily suspended.

This applies to all end uses including for aquaculture.

Milk and milk products are acceptable.

Downer ban. Canada also enacted a ban on nonambulatory cattle Jan. 13.

Effective immediately, all animals unable to stand or move without assistance are banned from slaughter in Canadian registered establishments eligible for export to the United States.