The Arizona Cattlemen's Association Industry News - Canadian Rule II Takes Effect on November 19, 2007
USDA's final rule to amend the BSE minimal risk region rule (Minimal Risk Rule II, or MRRII) is due to take effect on Monday, November 19, 2007. This rule expands upon the Canadian Minimal Risk Rule I released by USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in January 2005.

APHIS published the final MRRII rule on September 18, 2007, entitled "Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy; Minimal Risk Regions; Importation of Live Bovines and Products Derived From Bovines," which establishes import conditions for all cattle and bison, including those 30 months of age or older, and establishes the effective date of the Canadian ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban as March 1, 1999.

Effective November 19, 2007, the following live ruminants may be imported into the United States from Canada:
  • Bovines for immediate slaughter: Bovines born on or after March 1, 1999, may be imported if they are accompanied by an official Canadian health certificate which states they were born on or after March 1, 1999; have an official Canadian ear tag; and meet all of the other import health requirements. They must be consigned directly in a sealed conveyance to a slaughtering establishment approved by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to receive bovines for immediate slaughter. The list of plants approved to receive animals for immediate slaughter can be obtained by contacting the National Center for Import and Export (NCIE).
  • Bovines for other than immediate slaughter: Bovines born on or after March 1, 1999, may be imported if they are accompanied by an official Canadian health certificate which states they were born on or after March 1, 1999; have a permanent "CAN" brand or tattoo; have an official Canadian ear tag; and meet all of the other import health requirements.

For more information on these requirements, visit the APHIS website or click on:

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/downloads/bse_letter.pdf or

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/downloads/pro_imp_cattle-bison_can.pdf.
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