Risk analysis and international trade principles applied to the importation into Canada of caprine embryos from South Africa.
Between November 1994 and February 1995 over nine thousand Boer goat embryos were imported into Canada from the Republic of South Africa. This substantial international movement of animal genetics via embryos was achieved through the application of the risk analysis principles prescribed in Section 1.4. of the International Animal Health Code of the Office International des Epizooties (OIE). Integral to the development of the health certification procedures was the application of the fundamental principles of non-discrimination, harmonisation, equivalence and transparency defined in the World Trade Organisation Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary measures. Risk mitigation interventions were founded upon full consideration of the potential for disease transmission by animal embryos as espoused by the International Embryo Transfer Society and the relevant standards contained in Appendix 4.2.3.3. of the OIE International Animal Health Code. All the embryos imported into Canada were implanted into synchronised recipients on arrival. Twenty months later there has been no evidence of disease in either the recipient animals or the resulting animals born in Canada.
Evans
B
B
Animal Health Division, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Nepean, Ontario, Canada.
Faul
A
A
Bielanski
A
A
Renwick
S
S
Van Derlinden
I
I
D000818:Animals; D002170:Canada / Q000453:epidemiology; D003132:Commerce / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004624:Embryo Transfer / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000662:veterinary*; D015511:Goat Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006041:Goats / Q000196:embryology*; D007391:International Cooperation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology