CALGARY — The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association wants changes in the bluetongue disease regulations.
Canada has bluetongue-free status and American cattle entering Canada must be tested prior to import, which the U.S. charges is a non-tariff barrier to trade.
Bluetongue is a serious disease in the southern United States where the mite that carries the virus thrives. It is especially troublesome to sheep, causing their tongues to swell and appear blue. Infected cattle may abort their calves.
The cattlemen’s group is asking that animals from isolated states like Hawaii and Alaska should be allowed to enter Canada at all times with no test. They also propose no bluetongue tests be required on cattle imported from the U.S. between Oct. 1 and Dec. 31 because the mite doesn’t survive in cold weather.
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They further request no tests for animals from northern states imported from Oct. 1 to March 31.
Will not jeopardize health
An Agriculture Canada spokesman said the department will support the changes “provided we do not jeopardize the health status of Canadian herds.”
Changes to the regulations are complex, involving public hearings and a legislation change. This could take at least a year once all groups have been contacted and voiced their concerns, said Stan Petran of Agriculture Canada.
