*EPF417 01/16/2003
Text: USDA Marks Progress on Prevention of "Mad Cow" Disease
(U.S. "far exceeds international testing standards" for BSE, says Veneman) (1330)

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman says the U.S. testing program for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) "far exceeds international testing standards and is just one component of a multi-faceted regulatory and compliance system that is keeping the United States free of BSE."

In fiscal year 2002, USDA tested 19,990 cattle for BSE using a targeted approach designed to test the highest-risk animals; this is more than triple the total tested in FY 2001. Under the international standard, a BSE-free country like the United States would be required to test only 433 head of cattle per year.

Following is a USDA press release:

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United States Department of Agriculture
Washington D.C.

USDA MARKS PROGRESS ON BSE PREVENTION ACTION STEPS

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15, 2002 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture more than tripled the number of cattle it tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) during the last fiscal year and has made significant steps on other prevention measures aimed at keeping the disease from entering the United States.

"We remain vigilant at strengthening programs to keep BSE out of this country" said Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman. "Our surveillance level far exceeds international testing standards and is just one component of a multi-faceted regulatory and compliance system that is keeping the United States free of BSE."

In fiscal year 2002, USDA tested 19,990 cattle for BSE using a targeted surveillance approach designed to test the highest risk animals, including downer animals (animals that are non-ambulatory at slaughter), animals that die on the farm, older animals, and animals exhibiting signs of neurological distress. During FY 2001, USDA tested 5,272.

Both figures are significantly higher than the standards set by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), the standard setting organization for animal health for 162 member nations. Under the international standard, a BSE-free country like the United States would be required to test only 433 head of cattle per year. The USDA is now testing 41 times that amount. In addition to surveillance, OIE guidelines also require a risk analysis and management strategy, an education and awareness program and compulsory notification requirements in order for a country to claim that it is BSE free. The United States exceeds these criteria in all categories. In November 2001, Harvard University published a landmark three-year risk analysis on BSE, representing the most comprehensive risk assessment ever done on BSE. The detailed assessment showed that the occurrence of BSE in the United States is highly unlikely.

In response to the report, USDA announced a series of actions it would take, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to strengthen BSE prevention programs in an effort to maintain the government's vigilance against the disease.

The following is an update on those actions:

Peer Review of Harvard Risk Assessment to ensure Scientific Integrity: Following publishing of the Harvard risk assessment, USDA identified several independent scientists to conduct independent analysis on the report. The group of scientists expects to complete their work by June 2003.

Double the Number of BSE Tests: As stated above, the USDA has exceeded that goal by conducting nearly 20,000 tests in FY 2002, more than tripling the number of tests over the previous year.

Publish a Policy Options Paper Outlining Additional Regulatory Actions: In January 2002, FSIS published a Current Thinking Paper on BSE policy measures to consider public comments on future regulatory and policy recommendations. This included actions regarding advanced meat recovery (AMR) systems and prohibiting the use of vertebral column from certain categories of cattle.

In June 2002, FSIS announced proposed revisions to existing directives to strengthen AMR systems. A rule was finalized in December 2002, instructing inspectors at beef establishments using vertebral columns as source materials in AMR systems to take routine regulatory samples to verify that spinal cord is not present in AMR product. If spinal cord tissue is present, then the product does not meet FSIS labeling and inspection requirements for meat.

FSIS expects to issue a Notice in the Federal Register by August 2003 to solicit additional comments on a proposed rule on meat derived from AMR systems. FSIS will seek these additional on a recently completed survey regarding AMR systems using beef vertebral columns as source material. The proposed rule will clarify that vertebral column should not be used as a source material unless the establishment has effective process control measures in place to ensure that central nervous system tissue is not present in meat derived from AMR systems. A final rule is expected on AMR by December 2003.

Rule to Prohibit Use of Certain Stunning Devises: FSIS is working to complete a direct final rule by March 2003 prohibiting the use of air-injection stunning devices used to immobilize cattle during slaughter. In this rulemaking, FSIS will address the risk posed by stunning devices that may inadvertently force visible pieces of brain and spinal cord tissue, known as macro-emboli, into the circulatory system of stunned cattle.

Publish an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) to consider regulatory options for disposal of dead stock on farms and ranches: FSIS expects to issue a Notice in the Federal Register in February 2003 directing people who deal with dead, dying, disease and downer animals that they are required to register with FSIS. The Notice is being issued to assist with traceback if BSE were detected and to assist FDA in enforcing its feed ban. In February 2003, APHIS also plans to issue an ANPR to consider additional regulatory options for the disposal of dead stock on farms and ranches. Such cattle are considered an important potential pathway for the spread of BSE in the animal feed chain.

"We've exceeded OIE surveillance standards for the last seven years and have doubled surveillance every year since 1999," said Veneman. "We continue to examine our BSE programs and examine additional measures to ensure strong regulatory and compliance systems."

Since 1989, the U.S. government has taken a series of preventive actions to protect against this animal disease. This includes USDA prohibitions on the import of live ruminants, such as cattle, sheep, goats and most ruminant products from countries that have or are considered to be at risk for having BSE. In 1997, the Food and Drug Administration prohibited the use of most mammalian protein in the manufacture of animal feed intended for cows and other ruminants to stop the way the disease is thought to spread.

Under USDA regulation, BSE is a notifiable disease in the United States, meaning if veterinarians suspect the disease they must immediately notify the federal or state animal health authorities of their suspicion. USDA continues to educate U.S. cattle producers, veterinarians, industry groups and the general public on BSE through numerous briefings and press conferences. Fact sheets, a videotape on BSE and information packets are distributed widely to veterinarians, extension offices, universities and industry groups. USDA also maintains an extensive BSE Web site at www.aphis.usda.gov

BSE is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder of cattle belonging to a family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. BSE has never been detected in U.S. cattle. Since 1989, USDA has taken a series of preventive actions to protect against this animal disease. This includes banning the import of live ruminants, such as cattle, sheep and goats, and most ruminant products from the United Kingdom and other countries having BSE. The ban was extended to Europe in 1997. To stop the way the disease is thought to spread, in 1997, FDA prohibited the use of most mammalian protein in the manufacture of animal feed intended for cows and other ruminants.

For more information about BSE and the many efforts being taken to prevent its entry and spread into the United States, visit http://www.usda.gov/

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(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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