Originally published February 22 2006
Officials downplay mad cow disease case in Alberta
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Both Canadian and U.S. officials claim that the latest case of mad cow disease in Alberta was not a surprise, as they predict it will have very little impact on the beef trade between the two countries.
A new case of mad cow disease in Alberta was not unexpected and should have no immediate impact on the lucrative cross-border beef trade, Canadian and U.S. officials say.
Lab tests confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy was found in a six-year-old cow from the north-central region of the province, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced Monday.
CFIA spokesman Dr. Brian Evans tried to reassure consumers and beef producers that they have nothing to worry about.
"We have always maintained that we could find a small number of additional cases through our active surveillance program, which targets cattle populations most at risk of being infected with BSE."
Association president Stan Eby said the positive test in the breeding heifer proves the system is working.
He said the discovery should not affect shipments of Canadian cattle under 30 months of age to the U.S. That trade resumed last July after a two-year ban.
"I don't foresee a downside in marketing or consumption.
Mike Johanns, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, issued a statement saying he does not anticipate any change in the status of beef or live cattle imports from Canada.
Dr. Evans said the CFIA has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine when the latest infected cow was exposed to BSE and whether any other animals are affected.
Mr. Eby said he hopes the new case will not delay a decision by Washington to finally reopen the border to cattle over 30 months of age and to beef and dairy breeding animals, which remain banned from the U.S.
There has been hope the U.S. Agriculture Department could issue a new trading rule as early as this fall on those sectors of the industry.
Japan closed its border to American beef once again just a few days ago after inspectors found cattle backbone in a recent shipment from the United States.
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