What is BSE?

Bovine Spongiform Encephalophy (BSE)

When BSE was discovered in 2003, the result on the Canadian beef industry was enormous. All markets immediately closed their borders to Canadian cattle and beef. The industry moved quickly to take steps to minimize the damage and to eliminate BSE from its national herd. Since then, a number of Canada’s largest export markets have reopened to some Canadian beef and cattle. The industry and the Canadian government are continuing to work hard to restore full trade with all markets for Canadian beef and cattle.

In the fall of 2006, Canada applied to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), the internationally-recognized body of sound, science-based standards, to be classified a “controlled risk” country for BSE. Based on its interlocking, multi-layered safeguards, Canada received this rating at the end of May 2007. This rating shows the rest of the world that Canada is a safe trading partner.

The CCA has been actively involved in restoring markets for the Canadian beef industry. For a summary of activities taken and for more information on BSE click here.