Topic: World Trade Agreements
Guidelines offer up-to-date information, flexibility
Because the OIE standards on BSE are guidelines, and not laws, countries have some flexibility in how they use them, Dr. Fernandez said. This has led to some disparities in how countries interpret the guidelines and whether they use them at all.
There is a strong relationship between animal identification and the traceability of animals and products of animal origin. (MY notes COOL equals Animal Origin)
Animal traceability and traceability of products of animal origin should have the capability to be linked to achieve traceability throughout the animal production and food chain taking into account relevant OIE and Codex Alimentarius standards.
The objective(s) of animal identification and animal traceability for a particular country, zone or compartment and the approach used should be clearly defined following an assessment of the risks to be addressed and a consideration of the factors listed below. They should be defined through consultation between the Veterinary Authority and relevant sectors/stakeholders prior to implementation, and periodically reviewed.
There are various factors which may determine the system chosen for animal identification and animal traceability. Factors such as the outcomes of the risk assessment, the animal and public health situation (including zoonoses) and related programmes, animal population parameters (such as species and breeds, numbers and distribution), types of production, animal movement patterns, available technologies, trade in animals and animal products, cost/benefit analysis and other economic, geographical and environmental considerations, and cultural aspects, should be taken into account when designing the system.
Animal identification and animal traceability should be under the responsibility of the Veterinary Authority. It is recognised that other Authorities may have jurisdiction over other aspects of the food chain, including the traceability of food.
The Veterinary Authority, with relevant governmental agencies and in consultation with the private sector, should establish a legal framework for the implementation and enforcement of animal identification and animal traceability in the country. In order to facilitate compatibility and consistency, relevant international standards and obligations should be taken into account. This legal framework should include elements such as the objectives, scope, organisational arrangements including the choice of technologies used for identification and registration, obligations of all the parties involved including third parties implementing traceability systems, confidentiality, accessibility issues and the efficient exchange of information.
Whatever the specific objectives of the chosen animal identification system and animal traceability, there is a series of common basic factors, and these must be considered before implementation, such as the legal framework, procedures, the Competent Authority, identification of establishments/owners, animal identification and animal movements.
The equivalent outcomes based on performance criteria rather than identical systems based on design criteria should be the basis for comparison of animal identification systems and animal traceability
Bruce Knight:
If you're producing for the global market you must have a high quality beef product to sell. But to gain access to the market, you must be able to demonstrate traceability along with a concern for animal welfare. (My Note: Animal welfare is in the OIE recommendations)
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/speeches/content/2008/03/Houston_Livestock_Show_final_3-4-08.pdf
Other countries, which don't yet have their own traceability systems fully in place and therefore can't, under WTO rules require it of other countries, will still prefer to purchase from sources that can demonstrate traceability. Dr.Smith cited Canada, Taiwan, some South American countries and most Arabian Gulf nations as examples of countries that are interested in traceability. He pointed out that not every single U.S. Producer will have to demonstrate traceability-only those in supply-chains that want to sell abroad.
But the sooner producers in the U.S. And around the world get on board with animal ID, the more options they will have to market their livestock. In other words, traceability is the key to international sales and market expansion. Animal ID will open doors for producers everywhere.
- In order to walk the talk with the USDA here is the General Definitions used . There are more here http://www.oie.int/Eng/normes/mcode/en_chapitre_1.1.1.htm#terme_identification_des_animaux
- Animal identification
- Means the combination of the identification and registration of an animal individually, with a unique identifier, or collectively by its epidemiological unit or group, with a unique group identifier.
- Risk assessment
- Means the evaluation of the likelihood and the biological and economic consequences of entry, establishment, or spread of a pathogenic agent within the territory of an importing country.
- Veterinary Authority
- Means the Governmental Authority of a Member Country, comprising veterinarians, other professionals and para-professionals, having the responsibility and competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international veterinary certification and other standards and guidelines in the Terrestrial Code in the whole country.
- Competent Authority
- Means the Veterinary Authority or other Governmental Authority of a Member Country having the responsibility and competence for ensuring or supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international veterinary certification and other standards and guidelines in the Terrestrial Code in the whole country.
- Establishment
- Means the premises in which animals are kept.
