Vietnam Markets Open to Canadian Live Breeding Cattle, Sheep and Goats

Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast announced that Vietnam has become the first Asian market since 2003 to open its markets to Canadian live breeding cattle, sheep and goats. The total market value in Vietnam for these types of live animals is worth up to C$50 million. Following Canada’s announcement of its first case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in May 2003, Vietnam banned imports of Canadian live cattle, along with beef and beef products. In June 2007, Canada formally requested access for all beef and cattle based on Canada’s BSE controlled risk status as determined by the World Organization for Animal Health. Vietnam consistently indicated that it would take a phased approach and would first make a decision on expanded beef access, followed by a decision on cattle.