There's a lot of history written on BSE and its possible introduction into North America. The most likely way it was introduced is through importation of British cattle before we knew the implications of the disease. They were imported into both the United States and Canada, but one of the animals early on, before we even knew there were any human health implications in the late nineties.... There was one BSE case in Canada, and it is highly likely that the initial infection was spread through the rendering system. It was a localized pocket that I think, unfortunately, was introduced from the U.K.
I think you've done an excellent job of controlling that. It is not a public health issue. You removed the specified risk materials. So I commend the Canadian government for the way it handled the issue. You're a controlled risk country, just like us. So in our opinion, we ought to have free and open trade. BSE should not be an issue related to trade between Canada and the United States.