In a previous article we discussed the impact of farming practices, progress in technology and economic development on the availability of Fetal Bovine Serum. Now we will look at the importance of the sourcing countries’ animal health status.
The animal health status of the sourcing country is a key factor determining the value of animal derived raw materials. The animal health status of a country is officially ranked by the OIE (the World Organization for Animal Health located in Switzerland). OIE is an intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It is recognized as reference organization by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and has currently 178 Member Countries. The higher the OIE ranking of a specific sourcing country the higher is the demand for animal derived products from this source and their price.
OIE Member Countries have the possibility to self-declare their country or zone within their territory free from certain OIE listed diseases.
For Fetal Bovine Serum and for Bovine sera the BSE risk status of the sourcing country has greatest importance. The OIE country classification can be accessed here. Fetal Bovine Serum from countries with negligible BSE risk and free from other notifiable diseases is in highest demand and is purchased at the highest price.
However some OIE Member Countries do NOT automatically adopt the OIE recognition status when determining their import regulations. For example, Fetal Bovine Serum of US origin may not be imported into China even though the United States are considered a country with negligible BSE risk. The Chinese veterinary health authorities must separately approve the US as a sourcing country following internal procedures. Political and economic considerations can strongly influence the decision whether a country should or should not acknowledge the OIE classification.
In our next post we will look at the influence of other regulations on FBS availability and pricing.
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