international guidelines
Summary of the Role of the Office of International Epizootics (OIE)
The OIE is an intergovernmental organization created by the International Agreement of 25 January 1924, signed by 28 countries. Today, OIE members total nearly 170 countries. http://www.oie.int/eng/OIE/PM/en_PM.htm
OIE's standards are aimed at minimizing the negative effects of unjustified health barriers on international trade. OIE's goal is to achieve harmonization of animal health policies to ensure the protection of animal and human health while minimizing trade disruptions.
Both the U.S. and Canada are members of OIE. Under OIE guidelines, the U.S. and Canada should be free to trade in beef from animals of all ages and cattle born after an effective has been put in place. To view OIE's standards, click here.