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BSE and the Sheep Industry
Written
by Randy Eros. - June 20, 2003
As
I sit to write this article our industry is still caught in the middle
of the Cattle Industries BSE crisis. Though we may want to think of this
as a Cattle problem it has become abundantly clear that we have been affected.
The discovery of a single BSE positive cow in Alberta triggered a USDA
import ban on all ruminants and ruminant products. Compared to the cattle
industry our export numbers to the US are relatively small, but none the
less they are significant within our industry.
Last year 15% of our production headed south. With the continued decrease
in the US flock and the favourable exchange rate (though this is starting
to shift) this market is growing and Canadian producers have been responding.
The federal minister of Agriculture, Lyle Vanclief, is confident that
the border will reopen soon. If that is the case then the effects will
be minimal. If however the border remains closed for an extended period
there will be some serious market effects. The lambs destined for US markets
will end up in our domestic stream and have a negative affect on prices.
Though it is too early to be sure on the reasons the most recent market
figures are starting to reflect slightly weaker prices.
We have a little bit of time on this one. Most of the early lambs have
gone in the Easter Market and most of the spring crop is still on farm.
As one of the western feedlot operators commented the other day "If
we had to have it happen this is the best time".
Many of the provincial organizations as well as the CSF have been in touch
with our respective governments keeping them in touch with the effects
on our industry. We will continue to work with government officials to
facilitate as quick a resolution to the situation as is possible.
As with most difficult situations we will walk away from the experience
wiser for it. As a national body we need to be better prepared for this
kind of crisis. If in the future the sheep and lamb industry were to find
itself the focus of this type of animal health investigation and subsequent
media fall out we will be better prepared for it. Watching the Cattle
industry respond in a positive, professional manner is an experience we
can learn from.
We have also seen first hand how important a livestock identification
program is. The need for the Canadian Sheep Identification Program is
even more evident today.
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