Purpose: To develop an evidence-based, transparent and consistent risk assessment and country categorization process comparable to that used by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) that incorporates additional criteria around animal traceability and slaughtering practices.
Methods: A documented risk assessment process, including an audit protocol for in-country inspections, was developed.
Results: Eight countries have been assessed utilizing methodology developed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. The country risk levels established have been consistent with or more favorable to those established by OIE. The in-country verification component has derived benefits in better understanding country systems and their oversight, observing the implementation of and compliance with legislation and standards and appreciating animal husbandry and agricultural practices within the country that support the mitigation of BSE risk.
Significance: The Australian process for assessing the BSE risk level of a country incorporates additional criteria around animal traceability and cattle slaughtering practices and is supplemented by an in-country inspection and verification component. The Australian process embraces transparency by inviting countries to comment on and/or challenge risk assessment findings, and at the same time provides flexibility for countries to provide additional data to justify a favorable BSE risk status. The in-country evaluation of systems has supported, and in some cases, elevated the BSE status of countries.