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The investigation into the case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
in an Alabama beef cow has been completed, with authorities
unable to discover the animal's herd of origin.
The animal, a red crossbreed, had no brands or tags, making
its origin difficult to determine.
According to Alabama authorities, the animal was probably
10 years old, based on tests of its teeth, and therefore
was born before FDA's 1997 feed ban went into effect. The
animal had recently given birth, and its calf is under observation
at USDA's Ames, Iowa, laboratory for signs of the disease.
A second calf died a year ago, but there was no documentation
about the cause of death.
USDA examined animals in nearby herds but failed to find
a DNA match. FDA examined area feed mills that handle materials
prohibited from cattle feed and reported that all were in
compliance with feed-ban rules.
The case was discovered in March when the animal became
unable to walk. A veterinarian euthanized it and sent brain
samples for testing. |
