January 15, 2009
BSE can be tested in cow's urine
BSE infected cows could be detected by testing the urine of the animals, according to reports from the University of Manitoba in Canada.
Researchers found elevated protein levels in the urine of some cows infected with BSE.
At this moment of time, cattle can only be tested after slaughter.
Rob McNabb from the Canadian Cattleman's Association said that a test that can be applied to live cattle means that herds can be monitored on a regular basis.
McNabb added that the cattle industry has been looking for this type of simple technology for the last thirty years.
The simple test uses a strip of paper which changes colour when it comes into contact with the cow's urine.
