The discovery of BSE in Canada's cattle herd on May 20, 2003 has led to lost market access for Canadian cattle and beef in many countries. The Canadian cattle industry is extremely export dependent, and the loss of almost all of major export markets has had a devastating impact. Over a year later, many of these markets have still not removed their restrictions on Canadian cattle and beef. The severity of the restrictions and their long-term continuance are far in excess of what is recommended by the international organisations that set the standards for trade in animals and animal products. This has led many in the Canadian industry to wonder why these sanitary barriers are being misused and abused. The illegitimate and legitimate reasons for creating a sanitary barrier are examined, along with the potential for abuse of trade barriers which may have been imposed for legitimate reasons. Some suggestions for what the Canadian industry should have done and what they should do now are also offered.