Mexico Reopens Border to Alberta Cattle

October 20, 2008 — The Government of Canada has delivered for Canadian cattle producers by reaching an agreement with Mexican officials to remove the temporary restrictions in place on imports of Alberta breeding cattle.

"The Government took swift action to have the Mexican border re-opened to Alberta’s high-quality cattle," said federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "Canadians produce some of the best breeding stock in the world and this Government worked hard to open trade of Alberta breeding cattle."

Mexico imposed the temporary ban in August 2008, following the discovery of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a six-year-old beef cow from Alberta. Agriculture and Agri-Food and Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials immediately began working with Mexican officials to restore trade as quickly as possible. Trade of all breeding cattle born after January 1999 has resumed.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognizes Canada as a Controlled Risk country for BSE. This status clearly acknowledges the effectiveness of Canada’s surveillance, risk mitigation and eradication measures.

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For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency 
Media relations: 613-228-6682

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