Canada can start exporting a wider range of bison, beef and live animals to the United States on Nov. 19.
Known as Rule 2, the extensive minimum risk regulation will allow for the export of any live animal for breeding or slaughter born on or after March 1, 1999, and beef products of any age to the U.S.
This effectively covers most cattle and beef products not included in the first rule implemented in 2005, said the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief veterinarian.
Announced Sept. 14, the rule follows international guidelines set out by the world animal health organization, said John Clifford.
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“We will continue to encourage other countries to also align their trade requirements with these science-based international standards,” he said.
The U.S. continues to struggle over food safety details with Japan and South Korea where beef shipments have lagged far below 2003 exports.
Rule 2 allows imports of cattle and bison for any use, blood and blood products collected under certain conditions and casings defined as intestines, stomachs, esophagi and bladders.
Meat and meat products including half carcasses from bovines older than 30 months of age will be allowed, provided specified risk materials are removed prior to importation.
Offal products, gelatin and tallow composed of less than .15 percent insoluable impurities such as protein, are allowed.
This rule does not address sheep and goat exports.
Canadian authorities must verify exporters’ paperwork including birth dates for the animals.
Animals must be identified with an ear tag and carry permanent identification such as a tattoo or a brand unless they are going direct to slaughter. The latter animals are monitored in sealed trucks straight from Canada.
