The USDA Chief Veterinary Officer, John Clifford, announced this afternoon that as part of a targeted surveillance system, they have confirmed an atypical BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) case in a central California dairy cow. The animal's carcass is being contained by state officials and will be destroyed. The animal in question was found in a rendering facility but never presented into the food chain and does not pose any risk to the food supply or human health.
Samples from the animal were first tested at USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. The results will now be reviewed by laboratories in Canada and England who have extensive experience in diagnosing atypical BSE as well as California animal and public health officials and the FDA. Atypical BSE is a very rare form of the disease and generally not associated with an animal consuming feed as was thought to be in the 2003 incident.
Clifford emphasizes the safeguards the United States' has to protect our food supply against BSE. "This detection in no way affects the United States' BSE status determined by the OIE. The United States has in place all of the elements of a system that OIE has determined ensures that beef and beef products are safe for human consumption: a mammalian feed ban, removal of specified risk materials, and vigorous surveillance", stated Clifford.
The USDA continues to remain confident in the overall health of our national herd and the safety of beef and dairy products. As the process progresses, USDA will communicate findings in a timely and transparent manner.
Again, the animal in question was never released into the food chain and does not present any risk to the food supply or human health.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Severe storms move through NE KS
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
LATEST STORIES
Four arrested for illegal activity on Kickapoo Reservation
Two search warrants, two Horton homes, two arrests
Brown Co Sheriff's Office releases April stats
Flags across KS to fly half-staff Sunday
Commission takes action related to bridge project
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth