September 28, 2006

Japan confirms 29th case of mad-cow disease

Japan's Agriculture Ministry said Thursday (Sep 28) it confirmed that a cow from northern Japan had the country's 29th case of mad-cow disease.

Tests performed at the National Institute of Animal Health confirmed that the cow, which died at a ranch on the island of Hokkaido, was infected.

Japan has now confirmed 29 animals infected with mad cow disease - since the country's first case in 2001.

Since then, Tokyo has begun taking steps to check every cow that is slaughtered or dies at ranches before it enters the food supply.