06/07/05 O.I.E. BSE changes

American Rancher June 7, 2005 The Organization for International Epizootics, commonly known as the International Organization for Animal Health, or the O.I.E., met recently in Paris and adopted significant changes when it comes to international trade and BSE. Undersecretary of Agriculture J.B. Penn says most of the changes are supported by the United States. Penn: "There were a few minor modifications but nonetheless for the most part this is a very positive side. The proposal that we supported would change the emphasis in the O.I.E. guidelines to the measures that a country is taking to manage the risk that its beef and ruminant export products may contain the causative agents of BSE." As a result Penn says O.I.E. is moving away from the number of cases of BSE that occurs in a country, to the procedures in place to prevent BSE from getting into the food supply. Penn: "And these measures include removal of specified risk materials, banning certain types of stunning and processing practices and other things of that nature." Penn says the U.S. supported and the O.I.E. also adopted provisions adding boneless beef, blood and blood products as product that are safe for trade regardless of the BSE status of the country of origin. I'm Bob Hoff.