OIE Group Recommends Dropping Mad Cow Risk for U.S. Cattle to Lowest Level
A World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) commission recommended upgrading its risk classification for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in the U.S. to “negligible risk,” reported the Department of Agriculture. “Negligible risk” is the lowest level of risk in the OIE code. The decision came after a review of U.S. measures to combat the cattle disease, also known as mad cow disease. The OIE General Assembly will review the commission’s determination and come to a final decision in May, USDA said.
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“This is a significant achievement for the United States, American beef producers and businesses, and federal and state partners who work in coordination to maintain a system of three interlocking safeguards against BSE that protect our public and animal health,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. U.S. efforts to combat the disease include removal of specified risk materials from all animals presented for slaughter, a strong feed ban that protects cattle from the disease, and an ongoing BSE surveillance program, USDA said. “Being classified as negligible risk for BSE by the OIE will also greatly support our efforts to increase exports of U.S. beef and beef products,” Vilsack said.
The chairman of the Senate Finance Committee wants barriers on U.S. beef exports dropped following the OIE recommendation. Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), said in a statement that U.S. trading partners should “accept the science and drop unjustified barriers to our beef exports.” The press release is (here).