Global animal health organizations signs off on U.S. BSE controls

Global animal health organizations signs off on U.S. BSE controls The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has formally classified the United States as a “controlled risk” country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as “mad cow” disease.
   This classification confirms that the United States has sufficient controls against the spread of BSE within its cattle herd. The brain wasting disease, which was discovered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in a Washington state cow in December 2003, can be transmitted to humans who consume uncooked or cooked infected beef.
   In October 2006, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service submitted an application and supporting documents to OIE for review and formal classification for BSE risk.
   “The controlled risk status classification we have received provides strong support from an internationally recognized, standard-setting body that the science-based mitigation measures in place in the United States effectively protect animal health and food safety,” said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns in a statement Tuesday.
   “We will use this international valuation to urge our trading partners to reopen export markets to the full spectrum of U.S. cattle and beef products,” he added.
   Many countries have since reopened their borders to U.S. beef imports, but with restrictions on age of the cattle and selective meat cuts.