What would be the implications of a case of BSE for dairy exports?
A case of BSE should have no adverse effect on dairy exports. In the Terrestrial Animal Health Code, the Worlds Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) states, in Article 2.3.13.8;
"Regardless of the BSE status of the exporting country, Veterinary Administrations should authorise without restriction the import or transit through their territory of the following commodities:
- milk and milk products;
- semen and in vivo derived cattle embryos collected and handled in accordance with the recommendations of the International Embryo Transfer Society;
- protein-free tallow (maximum level of insoluble impurities of 0.15% in weight) and derivatives made from this tallow;
- dicalcium phosphate (with no trace of protein or fat);
- hides and skins;
- gelatin and collagen prepared exclusively from hides and skins."
A Joint WHO/FAO/OIE Technical Consultation on BSE: Public Health, Animal Health and Trade was held in June 2001. The Consultation reviewed the commodities that are currently listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code as 'unrestricted in terms of international trade' and concluded that there was no new scientific information to justify modifications to the list.
Page last updated: 30 April 2008