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February 16, 2001

BSE continues to grab headlines

Did you think the BSE issue in the United States was resolved with the responsible action of Purina Mills in purchasing the Gonzales feedlot cattle so they would not enter the human food chain? Think again.

Both Canada and the U.S. have temporarily suspended the import of processed beef and associated products from Brazil.

The decision in the U.S., according to USDA, is a temporary action pending the release of requested data to complete a BSE risk assessment. Once the data is received and USDA is assured that Brazil has taken sound measures to prevent BSE, the suspension will be lifted.

"There is no evidence of BSE in Brazil," a USDA press release stated. "USDA, along with appropriate federal health agencies, will continue to monitor and assess this situation and take any additional actions that may be necessary and appropriate."

Canada is temporarily suspending Brazilian beef on similar grounds.

Meanwhile, the beef cattle industry took fast action when the Gonzales feedlot story broke in late January, reaffirming their commitment to keep BSE out of the United States.

Along with individual contacts with media across the country, 12 national industry groups, that included the American Farm Bureau Federation, issued the following statement:

"As representatives of cattle producers, feed manufacturers, renderers, processors and veterinarians, we reaffirm our commitment to effective implementation and enforcement of sound, science-based measures to prevent BSE in the United States. This includes import restrictions, feed bans, and active surveillance.

"Active surveillance in the U.S. has not revealed a single case of BSE. BSE regulations have a firm, scientific foundation. They reflect the wisdom of careful consideration and open debate. Surveillance and enforcement in the U.S. have been vigilant.

"Three components of BSE prevention that remain the highest priority of industry and government are:

1) Strict enforcement of import restrictions designed to keep the BSE agent out of the U.S.,

2) To achieve 100 percent compliance with the FDA feed ban, and

3) Continued support for active USDA BSE surveillance in the U.S.

"We pledge our continued vigilance and commitment to BSE prevention in the U.S."

That vigilance should extend to other countries as well, according to the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). That group said global risks associated with BSE are probably much higher than previously thought.

In a recent report, FAO encouraged nations outside of Europe to take action to prevent the spread of BSE, even low-risk countries. They also urged more research on the disease.