http://www.usda.gov/2009/05/0149.xml
Release No. 0149.09
Contact:
Chris Mather, USDA (202) 720-4623
Meagan Murdoch, Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz (613) 759-1059
Secretary Vilsack and Minister Ritz re-affirm Support for Pork Industry
WASHINGTON, May 5, 2009 - Canada's Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and United States Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today re-affirmed that all appropriate steps are being taken to protect public health and strengthen the pork industry in both countries.
Additional analysis conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency of the H1N1 Influenza A has re-affirmed that the virus found in swine at a farm in Alberta, Canada, is the human strain. The CFIA has fully isolated and contained the situation on the Alberta farm.
"We are confident that Canadian authorities are taking all necessary steps to protect the public and the pork industry," said Secretary Vilsack. "The international scientific community agrees that pork is safe. We are urging all countries to remove any restrictions on the movement of pork that are not based on sound science. A strong and respectful relationship is vital for pork industry in both Canada and the United States."
Both Canada and the U.S. recognize the scientific consensus of international scientific organizations, such as the OIE and WHO, that clearly state that this is not a food safety issue. Both countries continue to re-affirm the fact that pork is safe.
"Canada is committed to close scientific cooperation with our American counterparts," said Minister Ritz. "This is a great example of both countries rejecting protectionism and respecting international agreements to keep safe trade moving."
Canada and the U.S. are collaborating closely to share diagnostic and research information with full transparency to protect human and animal health.
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