January 5, 2004

Australia To Slaughter 350 US Cows

The Australian government is taking precautionary steps to prevent the spread of mad cow disease in the country. Ranchers have been asked to slaughter 350 US cows imported from the United States.

Animal Health Australia, a government-affiliated agency, said owners of the cattle would be compensated for turning over the cows for slaughter.

The government also plans to tighten screening of Australian cattle more than 30 months old following the discovery last month of the first U.S. case of mad cow disease. The disease has an incubation period of at least three years.

Australian and Japanese agriculture officials will meet Wednesday to assess beef supplies after both countries banned U.S. imports.