December 16, 2003

US Beef Industry Representatives to Gain Information on BSE

Representatives from the USDA and APHIS will make a trip to France and Belgium to provide industry representatives with first-hand information about bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease or BSE) from the international disease experts at the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) in Paris and from other European counterparts. The information is meant to help the US cattle and beef industries evaluate the US proposal to reopen the border to cattle trade with Canada following its discovery of a single BSE infected cow last May.

R-CALF USA, one of the participating groups, says it sees the trip as an opportunity to view a post-BSE cattle industry and the hardship it has endured, along with an opportunity to visit directly with the international experts on BSE regarding the risks that such a disease poses to the US cattle industry.

The American Meat Institute, the Meat Export Federation, the American Meat Institute Foundation, the National Meat Association, and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association will also take part in the mission. 

"Let the EU's devastating experience with BSE stand in testament to our need for a scientific and prudent approach to reopening the border.  The EU has been dealing with BSE since 1986 and has a great deal of knowledge it may impart to US cattle producers," said R-CALF USA CEO Bill Bullard.

"R-CALF USA appreciates the willingness of the European Union to share their expertise on this issue and thanks USDA-APHIS for their invitation extended to R-CALF USA to take part in this educational visit," stated Bullard.