U.S. | BSE Update Dec. 29 | USDA officials over the weekend that its prelimin...
U.S.
BSE Update Dec. 29
USDA officials over the weekend that its preliminary investigation suggests that the index Holstein dairy cow found to have BSE entered the U.S. as a part of a group of 75 dairy animals arriving through Eastport, Idaho, from Alberta, Canada, in August 2001. USDA Chief Veterinarian Ron DeHaven said some discrepancies continue to be investigated, including the fact that Canadian records show the animal to be born in April, 1997, making her about 6½ years old, not 4½ as previously believed. USDA and Canada will work together to gather and test DNA evidence to confirm that it is the same animal and to determine the birth herd; DNA test results should be back within a week.
While the suspected origins of the index cow brought some relief to the U.S. cattle industry, the specter of more than 70,000 head of dairy cattle imported to the U.S. and likely still in production has been raised was a cause for concern by media and others. DeHaven noted that changes to the current program of surveillance and testing are likely, but said there would be “no rush to change the rules” this early in the investigation.
During the daily briefings on the status of the investigation, it was also revealed over the weekend that preliminary activity to recall meat is making progress, although all has not been located. Product has been shipped to eight states and Guam. USDA continued to reassure consumers that there is no risk from the meat, but wants it recalled out of “an abundance of caution.” Still, news reports Monday morning indicate that more than 100 consumers, who believe they might have consumed the product, have called the USDA consumer hotline for information. For more information and copies of transcripts of USDA briefings, go to www.usda.gov for links to this information.
A USDA delegation met Monday Tokyo time with representatives of the ministries of agriculture and health, and reportedly made little progress convincing the Japanese officials that the product en route should be allowed in country. The Japanese are contending that they are treating the U.S. as they treated Canada and are overlooking the requirements they stipulated for the beef export verification (BEV) program, which provides government assurance that the product is BSE-free. Japanese officials said they will send and investigating team to the U.S. next week.
In addition to Japan, countries that have announced bans or partial bans on U.S. beef products include Mexico, Korea, Russia, Egypt, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Columbia, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, Australia, Chile, Ukraine, Indonesia, UAE, Jordon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, South Africa and Canada (partial, allowing boned beef from animals under 30 months) – represents 95 percent of U.S. exports (based on annualized 2003). USMEF-ASIAN reports the Philippines likely will announce a ban within days. Additional information on the current situation is available at www.bseinfo.org.
U.S.
BSE Update Dec. 29
USDA officials over the weekend that its preliminary investigation suggests that the index Holstein dairy cow found to have BSE entered the U.S. as a part of a group of 75 dairy animals arriving through Eastport, Idaho, from Alberta, Canada, in August 2001. USDA Chief Veterinarian Ron DeHaven said some discrepancies continue to be investigated, including the fact that Canadian records show the animal to be born in April, 1997, making her about 6½ years old, not 4½ as previously believed. USDA and Canada will work together to gather and test DNA evidence to confirm that it is the same animal and to determine the birth herd; DNA test results should be back within a week.
While the suspected origins of the index cow brought some relief to the U.S. cattle industry, the specter of more than 70,000 head of dairy cattle imported to the U.S. and likely still in production has been raised was a cause for concern by media and others. DeHaven noted that changes to the current program of surveillance and testing are likely, but said there would be “no rush to change the rules” this early in the investigation.
During the daily briefings on the status of the investigation, it was also revealed over the weekend that preliminary activity to recall meat is making progress, although all has not been located. Product has been shipped to eight states and Guam. USDA continued to reassure consumers that there is no risk from the meat, but wants it recalled out of “an abundance of caution.” Still, news reports Monday morning indicate that more than 100 consumers, who believe they might have consumed the product, have called the USDA consumer hotline for information. For more information and copies of transcripts of USDA briefings, go to www.usda.gov for links to this information.
A USDA delegation met Monday Tokyo time with representatives of the ministries of agriculture and health, and reportedly made little progress convincing the Japanese officials that the product en route should be allowed in country. The Japanese are contending that they are treating the U.S. as they treated Canada and are overlooking the requirements they stipulated for the beef export verification (BEV) program, which provides government assurance that the product is BSE-free. Japanese officials said they will send and investigating team to the U.S. next week.
In addition to Japan, countries that have announced bans or partial bans on U.S. beef products include Mexico, Korea, Russia, Egypt, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Columbia, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, Australia, Chile, Ukraine, Indonesia, UAE, Jordon, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, South Africa and Canada (partial, allowing boned beef from animals under 30 months) – represents 95 percent of U.S. exports (based on annualized 2003). USMEF-ASIAN reports the Philippines likely will announce a ban within days. Additional information on the current situation is available at www.bseinfo.org.