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Australia awaits BSE-free status
2 Jun 2004
Australia is not yet formally recognised as being free of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), deputy chief veterinary officer Dr Bob Biddle told a Senate estimates committee last week. Although Australia applied 18 months ago for BSE-free status to OIE, the world animal health organisation, it has not yet been granted.
The OIE held its annual meeting last week but didn't issue any new determinations, so it could be another year before it happens.
But Dr Biddle said that although Australia doesn't have formal BSE-free status, it is generally recognised as such by other countries.
An AQIS representative said however, despite this, Australia is required to meet stringent anti-BSE standards when exporting meat to the US. Australian agricultural officials have called for an easing of the strict US conditions.
Weekly Times, 2/6/04, page 12.
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