June 14, 2005

Global reactions to latest US mad cow case
 

According to the USDA, a sample of the animal that last tested positive for mad cow disease, or BSE in the US, will be sent to the Weybridge Laboratory in England for further testing. The laboratory is officially recognised by the World Organisation for Animal Health and is expected to provide an international opinion.

Taiwan will reinstate a ban on US beef imports if the Weybridge tests confirm the second case of mad cow disease, according to a senior Taiwanese health official. Meanwhile, Taiwan will continue to allow US beef imports.

Canada's beef industry showed mixed reactions and indicated that it is too early to know the effect of the latest case on resuming US-Canada cattle trade.

A positive test might encourage resumption of live cattle trade since US and Canada would have the same disease status, according to Canadian industry feedback.

The USDA said it may require up to two weeks to carry out the tests on the animal, which did not enter the human food or livestock feed supply.