S. Korean inspectors investigate latest case of mad cow in Canada

By Lee Joon-seung
SEOUL, Nov. 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korean inspectors will investigate what caused the most recent report of mad cow disease in Canada before any steps are taken to reopen the local market to beef from the North American country, the government said Tuesday.

The Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said the six-person
team, already in the country to check the country's livestock and feed systems,
have been ordered to directly examine evidence being compiled by Canadian
authorities.
The team, comprised of government officials and private experts, was sent to
Canada on Sunday as part of an on-site inspection tour to cattle ranches,
slaughter houses and meat packing facilities.
"Findings on how the dairy cow became infected and the effectiveness of overall
livestock and feed control regimes in place will effect South Korea's view of the
safety of Canadian beef," a farm ministry official said.
The two countries have held two rounds of talks since late last year over lifting
Seoul's ban on Canadian beef, which has been in place since May 2003.
Canada, which received a "controlled risk" classification from the Paris-based
World Organization for Animal Health, wants to regain access to the South Korean
market, though Seoul is calling for some limits to be placed on the age of
animals that can be slaughtered for export.
A controlled risk classification technically allows the country to export meat
with almost no restrictions. South Korea had lifted its ban on U.S. beef earlier
in the year because it received the same rating.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed on Monday that the country's 15th
reported case of mad cow disease was discovered in British Columbia from a seven
year old cow.
The fatal animal disorder associated with the eating of protein-based feed can
cause the brain-wasting variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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