Janauary 23, 2006

Canada may have new mad cow disease case

Scientists are investigating a possible new case of mad cow disease, said Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) spokesman Mark Van Dusen on Jan 22. A preliminary test on the case showed a 'presumptive positive'.

He said they are doing more vigorous tests now and that the first preliminary tests are not always dependable or accurate.

Canada reported its first case of mad cow disease in May 2003, resulting in several countries banning Canadian beef and products. Exports to Canada's top market, the US were restored in mid-2005.