December 31, 2003

 

 

Canada To Increase Testing for Mad Cow Disease

 

Canada is preparing to increase the level of testing for mad cow disease and may further tighten regulations on the feeding of slaughterhouse waste to cattle in the aftermath of the mad cow disease.

 

Francine Lord, a spokeswoman for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, said new policies to prevent the spread of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) are likely to be announced soon in 2004.

 

"Definitely, there's going to be more testing," said Lord, who is national manager of import-export issues for the federal agency.

 

But at a news conference Tuesday, federal Agriculture Minister Bob Speller said there was no need for more testing. It was not clear whether Speller was overriding his official or had not been fully briefed.

 

"I think the system we have in place now, a system we developed after the experience we had, is one I think Canadians can be proud of," said Speller, who has held the portfolio for less than three weeks.

 

"I don't think this new case can lead, or needs to lead, to more surveillance."

 

Currently, Canada and the United States test only a tiny percentage of their cattle for BSE. Japan tests every cow before it is slaughtered and the European Union tests an estimated 25%.

 

The U.S. Agriculture Department tests only about 20,000 to 30,000 cows per year out of a total of 104 million - roughly two or three per 10,000.

 

Despite repeated queries on Tuesday, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency would not say how many animals are tested in Canada.

 

The cattle industry recognizes the need for more testing but is concerned about costs, Rob McNab of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association.

 

"There's no question that we support and understand there has to be some increased surveillance, as much to discover if there are additional cases or to verify that there aren't."

 

He said testing should focus on animals at highest risk: deadstock, downers (cows that can't walk), and diseased animals, especially those with neurological symptoms.

 

But critics say that even healthy animals should be tested.

 

They charge that North American regulations have effectively been dictated by the cattle and feed industries.