Export of all Canadian beef products and live cattle was banned by the United States after Canada’s first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an Alberta cow. Since then the border has been gradually opened, first allowing shipment of boneless boxed beef and then, in July 2005, allowing trade in cattle under 30 months.

On Friday the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced it was considering “Rule 2.” This piece of legislation would reopen the border to all cattle and beef products.

The OMB has up to 90 days to review the rule. It can then either send it back to the United States Department of Agriculture with approval, or ask for amendments.

A press release from Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Chuck Strahl said he discussed the importance of the second BSE rule during a visit with his American counterpart in September.

“Resuming the OMB process indicates that normalizing trade remains a priority and a shared objective of our two governments,” he said.

Source: The Tillsonberg News