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A retest by USDA of three suspect BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) cows has shown conflicting results on one of those cows, prompting further testing at a OIE-recognized reference laboratory for BSE in Weybridge, England. Results of that test were unknown at press time.
Out of 375,000 animals tested in USDA's enhanced surveillance program for BSE using a rapid test, only three have tested inconclusive. Those three animals were subsequently subjected to immunohistochemistry testing, or IHC, considered a "Gold Standard" BSE test. All three inconclusive samples tested negative, according to USDA.
Those three samples were subjected to another "Gold Standard" test, called the Western blot test, upon direction from USDA's Office of the Inspector General. Of the three samples, one came back reactive.
"We find ourselves in a situation where we have two internationally accepted tests that have produced conflicting results," said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. "I believe in this situation we have an obligation to be thorough. We've consulted with our top scientists at USDA and with internationally recognized experts to determine our best course in this unique case. We have agreed upon a protocol that includes additional testing, both here at USDA and at an international reference laboratory in Weybridge, England. When we have all the final tests results we will share them publicly.
"We know there is absolutely no risk to animal or human health related to this case. Our safeguards worked exactly as they were designed to work. Because they worked, we now have the opportunity to learn more about this sample, knowing it could advance the science behind our testing efforts."
Regardless of the outcome, USDA has in place a sound system of interlocking safeguards to protect human and animal health from BSE.
"In the case of this animal, it was a nonambulatory downer animal and as such, was banned from the food supply," said Dr. John Clifford, USDA's chief veterinary officer. "It was taken to a facility that handles only animals unsuitable for human consumption, and the carcass was incinerated. In addition, public and animal health is protected by the ban on specified risk materials (SRMs) from the human food supply, along with FDA's 1997 regulations that prohibit the feeding of ruminant protein to ruminants."
Secretary Johanns expressed optimism that the retesting would have little effect on international trade talks on resumption of U.S. beef exports to Japan and Korea.
"...this was an aged animal," Johanns said of the cow in question. "Our discussions with Japan have related to 20-month animals, as you know. Our discussions with Korea have related to 30-month animals, and the rule relative to Canada or the Minimal Risk Rule in general, I should say, relates to animals under 30 months and meat product under 30 months.
"So I really don't believe this has any impact on our international trading partners. We'll be working with them to get information in their hands and make sure that they understand the situation. But again, just because of what we're talking about here and the age of the animal, we've got a vast difference between what this is about and what we're working with them about."
