OIE Addresses Demands on Clarification of BSE Standards

Oct. 17, 2003 -- In order to protect public and animal health while avoiding unjustified sanitary barriers, the World Trade Organization?s Standards Body for Animal Health (OIE) says it is continuing its mission of collecting the most recent scientific information with the aim of updating the international standards published in the OIE Code on an annual basis.

As done for the past 10 years, the OIE convened a group of world-wide known experts to take into account the most recent scientific knowledge to update the content and improve the understanding of the current OIE international standards on BSE. Also, the OIE received a mandate from its 164 member countries asking them to consider simplifying the current country categorization according to BSE status existing in the International Code.

While the scientific content of the BSE Code has not been questioned, the OIE has been asked to provide additional clarification on the interpretation of the BSE standards. The current BSE standard serves as a strong foundation for facilitating international trade while protecting public and animal health.

Staff contact: Paul Rodgers 304-647-9981

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