spectr17
02-08-2003, 05:53 PM
USDA Steps Up Mad Cow Surveillance
WASHINGTON, DC, January 16, 2003 (ENS) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) more than tripled the number of cattle it tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) during the last fiscal year.
The testing is one of a number of steps the agency has taken to keep the disease, also known as mad cow disease, from entering the United States.
"We remain vigilant at strengthening programs to keep BSE out of this country," said Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. "Our surveillance level far exceeds international testing standards and is just one component of a multi-faceted regulatory and compliance system that is keeping the United States free of BSE."
BSE is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder of cattle belonging to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The disease, which has never been found in U.S. cattle, is believed to spread through animal feed that includes ingredients made from carcasses of infected animals.
In fiscal year 2002, USDA tested 19,990 cattle for BSE using a targeted surveillance approach designed to test the highest risk animals, including downer animals - animals that are non-ambulatory at slaughter - animals that die on the farm, older animals and animals exhibiting signs of neurological distress. During fiscal year 2001, USDA tested 5,272 animals.
Both figures are higher than the standards set by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the standard setting organization for animal health for 162 member nations. Under the international standard, a BSE free country like the United States would be required to test just 433 head of cattle per year. The USDA is now testing 41 times that amount.
In addition to surveillance, OIE guidelines also require a risk analysis and management strategy, an education and awareness program and compulsory notification requirements in order for a country to claim that it is BSE free. The United States exceeds these criteria in all categories.
In November 2001, Harvard University published a landmark three year risk analysis on BSE, representing the most comprehensive risk assessment ever done on BSE. The detailed assessment, which is now being peer reviewed under USDA guidance, showed that the occurrence of BSE in the United States is "highly unlikely."
"We've exceeded OIE surveillance standards for the last seven years and have doubled surveillance every year since 1999," said Veneman. "We continue to examine our BSE programs and examine additional measures to ensure strong regulatory and compliance systems."
WASHINGTON, DC, January 16, 2003 (ENS) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) more than tripled the number of cattle it tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) during the last fiscal year.
The testing is one of a number of steps the agency has taken to keep the disease, also known as mad cow disease, from entering the United States.
"We remain vigilant at strengthening programs to keep BSE out of this country," said Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. "Our surveillance level far exceeds international testing standards and is just one component of a multi-faceted regulatory and compliance system that is keeping the United States free of BSE."
BSE is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder of cattle belonging to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. The disease, which has never been found in U.S. cattle, is believed to spread through animal feed that includes ingredients made from carcasses of infected animals.
In fiscal year 2002, USDA tested 19,990 cattle for BSE using a targeted surveillance approach designed to test the highest risk animals, including downer animals - animals that are non-ambulatory at slaughter - animals that die on the farm, older animals and animals exhibiting signs of neurological distress. During fiscal year 2001, USDA tested 5,272 animals.
Both figures are higher than the standards set by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the standard setting organization for animal health for 162 member nations. Under the international standard, a BSE free country like the United States would be required to test just 433 head of cattle per year. The USDA is now testing 41 times that amount.
In addition to surveillance, OIE guidelines also require a risk analysis and management strategy, an education and awareness program and compulsory notification requirements in order for a country to claim that it is BSE free. The United States exceeds these criteria in all categories.
In November 2001, Harvard University published a landmark three year risk analysis on BSE, representing the most comprehensive risk assessment ever done on BSE. The detailed assessment, which is now being peer reviewed under USDA guidance, showed that the occurrence of BSE in the United States is "highly unlikely."
"We've exceeded OIE surveillance standards for the last seven years and have doubled surveillance every year since 1999," said Veneman. "We continue to examine our BSE programs and examine additional measures to ensure strong regulatory and compliance systems."