DJ USDA: DNA Tests Show US BSE Cow Originated In Canada
01/06/2004
Dow Jones News Services
(Copyright © 2004 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)
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01-06-04 1545ET
DJ USDA:DNA/BSE Cow -2: `High-Degree Of Confidence' In Tests
Washington, Jan. 6 (OsterDowJones)--DNA tests performed by the U.S. and Canada show with a "high-degree of confidence" that the cow that tested positive in the U.S. for bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or mad-cow disease, was born in Canada, according to U.S. and Canadian government officials.
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01-06-04 1554ET
DJ USDA:DNA/BSE Cow-3:Determined By Testing Cow Offspring-CP
The test results will allow investigators to intensify their search for the source of infection, most likely from contaminated feed, in Alberta, where the Holstein was born in 1997.
Ron DeHaven, chief U.S. Department of Agriculture veterinarian, said the determination of the infected cow's origin was made by testing an offspring of the cow, the Canadian Press reported.
"Beef continues to be safe, whether this cow originated in Canada or not," said DeHaven, who noted there is some currency in being able to say it wasn't U.S.-born, the report said.
"Our cattle markets are highly integrated at this time," he said, according to CP.
Dr. Brian Evans of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said they now have to determine how the cow became infected, the report said.
That will include a study of whether it was a feed problem, and whether there are any remaining animals in Canada that need to be tested, CP reported.
Evans said Canada will continue to work with U.S. officials on the problem, CP reported.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced the mad cow diagnosis on Dec. 23, the first time the disease has been found in the U.S. since its discovery in the U.K. in the mid-1980s.
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01-06-04 1610ET |
