mad cow disease

[Bootsy Whoosh]

I don't want to alarm anyone, because we are still probably fairly safe from mad cow disease in America (although there's no guarantees of course) but I ran across this, found it worthy of sharing, and thought that some of you might be interested.

FARMED ANIMAL WATCH
A Project of Animal Place
October 3, 2001
Issue #33


1. USDA Declares Emergency Regarding Mad Cow-like Disease
2. More Mad Cow Concerns in the U.S.
6. Burger King to Offer Vegetarian Burger in U.S.


1. USDA DECLARES EMERGENCY REGARDING MAD COW-LIKE DISEASE
The USDA has issued a declaration of emergency concerning chronic wasting
disease (CWD), a disease similar to mad cow disease. CWD is a fatal,
incurable disease that affects deer and elk. It is endemic in deer and elk
in part of the western U.S. and has begun infecting captive elk herds.
There are 2,300 farmed elk herds in the U.S., totaling 110,000 animals.
The USDA is concerned about the potential contamination of slaughter
facilities and the possible transfer of the disease to humans and farmed
animals. It is also concerned that consumer fears could destroy the market
for elk and deer products. Through the declaration, the USDA has
authorized $2.6 million be used for surveillance, training and an
indemnity program. It will purchase positive and exposed animals and
reimburse ranchers from $1500 - $3000 per animal. Infected animals can
only be diagnosed with a post-mortem brain tissue analysis.

"Elk herd must be destroyed for testing," The Denver Post, Theo Stein, October 1, 2001.

Government Issues 'Declaration of Emergency' for Diseases Similar to Mad Cow," NewsMax.com Wires, September 30, 2001.

<A HREF="http://www.enn.com/news/enn-stories/2001/10/10012001/wasting_45121.asp" TARGET=_blank>
"Mad cow-like disease spreads rapidly in wild deer," Environmental News
Network, Oct.1 2001. </A>

2. MORE MAD COW CONCERNS IN THE U.S.
The USDA is attempting to locate and quarantine 237 cattle imported from
Japan prior to the finding of mad cow disease in that country last month.
One case was confirmed and 3 more cows are reported to be showing symptoms
of the disease there. The cattle were imported to the U.S. between 1990
and 1999, primarily for breeding purposes. Cattle and most beef products
from Japan have been banned in the U.S. for over a year due to
foot-and-mouth disease concerns. Last month all Japanese processed beef
products were also banned. Japanese beef is popular in upscale restaurants.

Scientists are concerned that pigs could be carriers of the mad cow
disease agent even though they don't show clinical symptoms of the
disease. Pigs who consume contaminated food may also expose other species
to the disease by shedding the agent into the environment. Veterinarian
Will Hueston, director of the Center for Animal Health and Food Safety at
the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, predicts 10-15
more countries succumbing to the disease in the next few years due to
international trade.

<A HREF="http://sg.news.yahoo.com/011001/3/1jkcf.html" TARGET=_blank> "U.S. tries to locate Japan cattle due to mad cow risk," Reuters, Randy
Fabi, October 2, 2001.</A>

"BSE will Affect the Swine Industry," Swine Times, John Otte, October 1, 2001.

6. BURGER KING TO OFFER VEGETARIAN BURGER IN U.S.
In the hope it will "earn back some loyalty," Burger King Corporation has
announced plans to offer a vegetarian burger through its U.S. outlets. A
spokesperson said that customers had been requesting the product for some
time, and that the company has been "very, very seriously" exploring a
meat-free product for the past 3 months, both domestically and
internationally. The ingredients have not yet been disclosed, and
"supply-chain issues" are a concern. Burger King does not expect the
product to be an overnight success. The company is believed to have been
under pressure from its parent company, British-based Diageo PLC, to
improve sales and earnings.

Burger King to roll out veggie burger product across UK outlets," Just Food, October 2, 2001.


[This message has been edited by Bootsy Whoosh (edited 10-04-2001).]

[Mossopp]

I don't think 'mad cow disease' is really anything for American's to be worried about - it's more of an issue with British beef, or at least it was a few years ago. But I've been eating British beef for years and there's nothing wrong with MOOOOOOOOO! (sorry, I apologise for that terrible joke)

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[This message has been edited by Mossopp (edited 10-04-2001).]

[Bootsy Whoosh]

Originally posted by Mossopp:
But I've been eating British beef for years and there's nothing wrong with MOOOOOOOOO! (sorry, I apologise for that terrible joke)

LOL!

Really? You've been eating British beef? I didn't think they were allowed to deport it. Unless it's not considered deporting since Scotland is on the UK mainland.

Still....you're pretty brave. I don't think I would eat British beef. Of course, my sister was left handicapped, blind, and basically mentally ******** from E. coli she got from a certain well-known burger chain's hamburger, so I am more sensitive than others, perhaps, when it comes to food poisoning. After that happened, I didn't eat at that certain well-known burger chain for about 5 years. I do occasionally eat there now...

[Kay Scarpetta]

Originally posted by Bootsy Whoosh:
Of course, my sister was left handicapped, blind, and basically mentally ******** from E. coli she got from a certain well-known burger chain's hamburger

I am very sorry about your sister =(


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°·.*¤*-Karli Cauble-*¤*.·°

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference"-Blair Warner


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3 words to the wise...Lisa Whelchel Rocks!

[Mossopp]

Originally posted by Bootsy Whoosh:


Really? You've been eating British beef? I didn't think they were allowed to deport it. Unless it's not considered deporting since Scotland is on the UK mainland.

Scotland is part of Britain ('British' beef can come from England, Scotland, or Wales - they're all part of Britain) so it isn't considered "deporting".