Embryo import restrictions on hold
07/02/05

A successful appeal to Defra to put off unexpected embryo import restrictions agreed by the European Commission means breeders can continue the importation of internationally superior cattle genetics until December 2006 - and hopefully well beyond that too.

A decision by the Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health (SCoFCAH) to bar embryo deliveries from countries where cattle are IBR vaccinated had alarmed importers.

"It was feared that new EU regulations on IBR vaccination would prevent pedigree breeders from reacting to CAP reform challenges by improving herd genetics after importing their first choice embryos," explained NBA policy advisor Kim-marie Haywood.

"However Defra responded quickly to the industry's concerns and breeders will be able to complete embryo delivery from pre-negotiated supply programmes and their short term breeding plans will not be interrupted."

Now the NBA will help Defra with the framing of a proposal to SCoFCAH seeking long term derogations that will allow EU members states to select health requirement criteria for imported embryos rather than work within a blanket constraint.

"If this is successful it will allow breeders to import embryos from countries where IBR vaccination takes place," said Ms Haywood.

"European Commission acknowledgement that the risk of transmission of specified contagious diseases is negligible if the embryos are properly handled between collection and transfer is essential."

"Crucial to this is the washing of collected embryos in line with procedures laid down by the OIE and the International Embryo Transfer Society and both industry and government must make sure SCoFCAH specialists understand this."