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Canada remains a controlled BSE risk country

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH; founded as Office International des Épizooties (OIE)) classifies the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk status of the cattle population of a country on the basis of a risk assessment and other criteria. The cattle population of a country can be classified into three categories:

In 2007, Canada was recognized by the WOAH as a controlled BSE risk country. Canada was unable to obtain a negligible BSE risk status at that time mainly because of occurrence of cases of classical BSE in the domestic cattle population born less than 11 years ago.

To date, all domestic cases of classical BSE have been born more than 11 years ago (the youngest domestic case of classical BSE was born on 25 March 2009Footnote *), and Canada can now be recognized with a negligible BSE risk status.

The requirements for negligible BSE risk status

According to the provisions of the WOAH, a country meets the requirements for a negligible BSE risk status if it complies with the following:

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