Not Now Canadian Cow Posted by Reggie at 02/05/07 11:19 AM

USDA is proposing a rule to further relax Canadian border restriction intended to protect U.S. consumers and our cattle market from Mad Cow disease.

The proposal would allow cows up to the age of 7 years (any cow born after March, 1999) to be imported from Canada. Currently, only young cows (age 2.5 years or younger) can come over the border. Older cows are far more likely to exhibit mad cow disease than younger ones. USDA is also proposing to allow imports of cattle blood and intestines from Canada—parts that could carry the infectious agent.

Sign our petition if you think this is a bad idea. We will submit the petition to USDA as part of the formal comments in opposition to the rule.

comments (11)

1 Posted by Cheryl Bownstein at 02/15/07 09:08 AM

USDA RIGHT and LEFT hands don't talk to each other! No elk repopulation effort because risk of TB and Brain Wasting, but beef is okay?!! Go figure.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has derailed a state plan to import 160 live elk from Canada.

Department spokeswoman Andrea McNally says the agency recently sent a letter to Gov. Phil Bredesen expressing its concern about the possible spread of diseases. She says that among other things, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has not been able to certify that the herd is free of tuberculosis, a standard U.S. requirement.

2 Posted by Jim Murph at 02/15/07 09:26 AM

Canadian cattle should not be imported into the United States. Not only to aid in the prevention of the spread of Mad Cow, but, simply put, we have American ranchers producing quality beef. AMERICANS SHOULD CONSUME AMERICAN PRODUCED BEEF PERIOD!!!

3 Posted by chris at 02/15/07 10:07 AM

Why would we want to restrict beef from Canada? It has the most comprehensive testing program in the world. Mad cow has been detected in both America and Canada and yet Canada's Ministry of Agriculture is incredibly thorough and the USDA, on the other hand, is incredibly underfunded and at the whim of powerful lobbyists and greedy politicians. I would choose Canadian beef any day of the week. They are activiely searching for cases of Mad Cow to protect the public instead of turning a blind eye in the name of the all mighty dollar.

4 Posted by Prewett at 02/15/07 10:27 AM

I think Consumer's Union has missed the mark. If you would do some homework you will find:
1. Given the history, seven years is a safe age for US import of Canadian cattle.
2. The incidence of Mad Cow is lower in Canada that the US.
3. Canadian testing is more vigorous than the in US.

As a Canadian, I view this particular campaign as an attempt by some in protectionism.

Think about it.

Rod

5 Posted by chris at 02/15/07 03:06 PM

Why would we want to keep Canadian beef out of America? Canada has one of the most thorough testing programs in the world for Mad Cow disease. Since Mad Cow has been discovered in both America and Canada it would seem to me that Canadian beef is probably safer since the USDA is negatively influenced by powerfull lobyists and greedy politicians. We are all aware that the USDA definetly doesn't put consumer safety and rights first and certainly doesn't have testing that is as strict as Canada's. I say "bring on the Canadian beef".

6 Posted by Nancy L James at 02/15/07 04:36 PM

First of all, eating beef is a bad idea. It simply isn't healthy for humans. That being said, there has been just as much "mad cow disease" diagnosed in US beef as in Canadian. And once the EtOH production gets further underway for fuel, US beef prices will skyrocket as corn prices soar. (Researchers are still working on use of alternatives to corn.) We will need Canadian beef, Mexican beef, Venezuelan beef, and Brazilian beef if McDonalds, Wendy's, and Burger King are to remain in business, and so folks can still put their gas grills to use.

7 Posted by Paul C. Anderson at 02/15/07 07:24 PM

Canadian Beef is safer than many other countries including USA. You are completely ignoring the advanced regulations in effect in Canada for the last 5 years. As a Canadian I resent your petition. It is based on "unfounded fear" like so many other subjects in the USA.
(For instance the American idea of Canadian barbarians killing "baby" seals.)
I shall cancel my relationship with CU.

8 Posted by Linda at 02/16/07 07:57 AM

It seems from my reading that while older cows are more likely to SHOW SYMPTOMS of "mad cow" disease, even young cows can carry and pass on the prion disease. So...
1. why does the age of the cows imported matter and
2. shouldn't we instead push for testing of EVERY cow, as they do in Japan?

9 Posted by Philip Bader at 02/16/07 08:18 PM

Mad cow... Am I the only one who sees the "cure"? Stop feeding these cattle with feed that contains cattle parts ground up in it. That's the carrier: infected feed. Use only grain,corn,etc. NO animal parts. Done. Is this so hard to do,considering the risk to people?

10 Posted by Brad at 05/10/07 04:00 PM

I agree with Linda & Phillip, every cow should be tested. The person or persons who thought up the great idea of feeding herbivores meat should be strung up. Cattle can carry the prion disease and not have any symptoms.

11 Posted by Sarah at 07/12/07 10:23 AM

Unlike the US Canada does not have a shoot, shovel and shut-up policy about mad cow cases. Seeing what Canada has been put with in after being very forward about any cases that are even remotely suspected, why would the US want to mention any cases that they undoubtedly DO HAVE! Where do you think the feed came from that made the cows mad?? and why would you even thinnk for a minute this feed was only sold in Canada?? Think folks, think! There is no such thing as a US or Canadian cow, as they have been crossing the borders for over one hundred years for breeding, slaughter, genetic variations...you name it. So shut up about keeping Canadian beef out of the US, or if that doesn't work for you may be Canada should stop importing produce from the US...e-coli is as deadly as mad cow! We all want to support our local farmers and buy American or buy Canadian, but you are not doing your local farmers any favours if everyone does this, since export and import is likely their biggest money maker...as it is with any business. Free trade was a US idea, and so was NAFTA, so live with it!