Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

The USDA reported an inconclusive bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) test this morning, November 18,2004. I have received several calls stating that "a case of BSE was found." That is currently not the case. This does not mean that another case of BSE in the U.S.

The test result was received as result of a "rapid screening test" use as part of the improved BSE surveillance program. Tissue samples were forwarded to the USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories, the national BSE reference lab, for additional evaluation which will confirm the results. Results should be confirmed in the next 4 to 7 days.

Source of the animal and kind were not announced. If the tests come back positive, additional information in these regards will be forth coming.

You do not need to be reminded, the U.S. consumer has the safest food supply in the world. The ban on specified risk materials (SPM) from the human food chain as well as the banding of feeding ruminant by-products in cattle feed also aids in providing protection to the public.

Latest News:

      USDA 's Statement Concerning The Recent Positive Test Result for BSE in Canada 1-12-05

      Non-Ambulatory (Downer) Animals Frequently Asked Questions  2-24-04

      Procedures for Humane Euthanasia: Humane Euthanasia of Sick,
        Injured, and/or Debilitated Livestock  2-24-04
       (by J.K. Shearer, DVM, MS and P. Nicoletti, DVM, MS, The University of
       Florida College of Veterinary Medicine)

      Identifying Beef Cows “At Risk” of Becoming Downers  2-5-04
        Clyde D. Lane Jr. and James B. Neel, Professors, Animal Science

      BSE or Mad Cow Disease  2-4-04

      BSE Frequently Asked Questions 12-29-03

      BSE Confirmed in Washington State 12-24-03

Related Links:

APHIS

USDA

BSEinfo.org

BSE Update: Factors You Need to Know (Q&A)

Obviously the big news during the holidays was the discovery and confirmation of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), also known as “mad cow disease,” in a cull Holstein cow that was slaughtered on December 9, 2003 in Washington state. Test results from a laboratory in Ames, Iowa and later (12-24-03) in England confirmed that the cow was infected with BSE.

The remaining cattle on the farm from which the cull cow came has been quarantined and the decision has not yet been made regarding the disposal of the entire herd. As you know, the USDA has conducted a surveillance program for BSE since 1990 and this procedure located this animal. This case was discovered at a federally inspected slaughter plant where animals are inspected prior to slaughter. The central nervous system tissue from the animal, which scientists recognize as the infective material, did not go into the food chain. We know you are getting phone calls on the subject and hope that this material will aid you in responding to questions.