A world Organization for Animal Health (OIE) commission recommended that the United States’ risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) be upgraded to negligible risk.

P. Scott Shearer, Vice President

February 25, 2013

1 Min Read
Upgrade to U.S. BSE Risk Status

A world Organization for Animal Health (OIE) commission recommended that the United States’ risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) be upgraded to negligible risk.  This is the lowest risk level under OIE code.  Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack said, “This is a significant achievement for the United States, American beef producers and businesses, and federal and state partners who work in coordination to maintain a system of three interlocking safeguards against BSE that protect our public and animal health. Being classified as negligible risk for BSE by the OIE will also greatly support our efforts to increase exports of U.S. beef and beef products.”  The North American Meat Association stated, “This is an achievement for anyone involved in the U.S. beef industry and we commend USDA for its significant efforts to represent the nation’s beef producers and processors and the high standards we are able to cooperatively achieve.” 

About the Author(s)

P. Scott Shearer

Vice President, Bockorny Group, Inc.

Scott Shearer is vice president of the Bockorny Group Inc., a leading bipartisan government affairs consulting firm in Washington, D.C. With more than 30 years experience in government and corporate relations in state and national arenas, he is recognized as a leader in agricultural trade issues, having served as co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for U.S.-China Trade and co-chairman of the Agricultural Coalition for Trade Promotion Authority. Scott was instrumental in the passage of China Permanent Normal Trade Relations and TPA. He is past chairman of the USDA-USTR Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products and was a member of the USAID Food Security Advisory Committee. Prior to joining the Bockorny Group, Scott served as director of national relations for Farmland Industries Inc., as well as USDA’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Affairs (1993-96), serving as liaison for the Secretary of Agriculture and the USDA to Congress.

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