Mr. Chairman, if I may, I'll answer the two questions about approval of products and bluetongue/anaplasmosis and then I'll ask Dr. Brian Evans to update your question on BSE.
With regard to approval of animal health products, the agency itself is reviewing some of these products, mainly the vaccines and the diagnostic test kits. Over the last few years we've invested significant resources in updating and upgrading our facility to do a quicker review of these types of vaccines for animal diseases. And I think as far as the industry feedback is concerned, we've done very well in decreasing the backlog of submissions for these types of products.
We also have the opportunity to provide emergency approval for vaccine and diagnostic kits in case something comes up, an animal disease manifestation, for which a product hasn't been done. So from that standpoint, I think the agency has a mechanism to address the potential surge in workload from the industry.
Mr. Chairman, the approval of other health products used in animals, like vet drugs, comes under Health Canada. So from that standpoint I would encourage you to ask them that question. I know we cooperate with them in terms of implementing the maximum residue levels they set for these types of products, but I think it would be better to ask them the question.
With your permission, Mr. Chairman, I'll ask Dr. Brian Evans to answer the question on BSE.