Beef producers still recovering from mad cow disease

August 16, 2011

Source: The Canadian Press

OLDS, Alta. — Canada's beef producers are still feeling the economic impact eight years after mad cow disease was discovered in Alberta.

The Canadian Beef Export Federation says regaining lost markets has been the biggest challenge.

It says Canada now exports to 74 countries -- down from more than 100 before mad cow (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) hit.

The United States imports the lion's share, while Mexico, Hong Kong, Japan and Russia round out the top five export markets.

The federation says overall beef exports have also dropped.

In 2002, the year before the crisis, Canada shipped 518,000 tonnes of beef worth $2.1 billion.

Last year, 422,000 tonnes worth $1.5 billion were exported.

Canadian Cattlemen's Association president Travis Toews says it's been a long road and there are still market access gains to make.

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