Statement by Bob Stallman, President, American Farm Bureau Federation, Regarding April 24 Detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
“American beef and dairy products are safe. The safeguards our government has in place to detect any incidence of this disease are clearly working. The report of a cow with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, discovered during the pre-rendering process, is proof that our detection system works.
“Government officials have confirmed that the animal in question was a dairy cow from California. This animal did not enter the food chain. Scientists say the animal displayed an atypical case of BSE, meaning it is a rare form not generally associated with feed consumption. USDA scientists said they remain confident in the health of the national herd and the safety of beef and dairy products.
“We are pleased to hear that the Agriculture Department is conducting a comprehensive and immediate investigation into additional details surrounding this case.”
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To learn more about BSE, information can found at the following Web sites:
- Statement by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford Regarding a Detection of Bovine pongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Q&A
- USDA BSE Information Center
- Beef Industry Scientific Panel Information Resource
| Contacts: |
Tracy Taylor Grondine (202) 406-3642 tracyg@fb.org |
Mace Thornton (202) 406-3641 macet@fb.org |
Other resources on the BSE story:
- Ag Web – USDA Confirms BSE in a California Dairy Cow
- National Cattlemen’s Beef Association – NCBA Statement on USDA Announcement Regarding Positive BSE Test Result
- United States Dept. of Agriculture – Statement by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer John Clifford Regarding a Detection of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in the United States, Assures Consumers That Existing Safeguards Protected Food Supply; Reiterates Safety of Consuming Beef Products