Mad Cow Disease Concerns Persist in North America

Strategic Insights -

The latest confirmed case of mad cow disease in Alberta, Canada, brings the total to four in less than two years, sparking concerns about the effectiveness of feed bans and trade agreements. This new case is particularly alarming as it involves a cow born after the 1997 ban on ruminant protein in animal feed went into effect. Scientists believe that cattle feed containing ruminants is the primary means of spreading the disease. As a result, organizations like Consumers Union are urging stricter regulations and increased enforcement of feed bans in both Canada and the United States.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed a second mad cow case in less than two weeks, bringing the total to four in North America in less than two years.
  • The latest case involves a cow born after the 1997 ban on ruminant protein in animal feed went into effect in Canada and the U.S., highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of feed bans.
  • Consumers Union is urging the U.S. to keep the border closed to beef imports from Canada at this time, citing concerns about public health consequences.
  • The U.S. and Canada should eliminate deficiencies in their feed ban rules, including the prohibition of blood and bone meal, according to Consumers Union.
  • The international expert subcommittee to USDA's Foreign Animal and Poultry Disease Advisory Committee recommends adopting and implementing animal feed restrictions, including adequate enforcement through sampling and testing of animal feed.

Statistics:

  • Four confirmed mad cow cases in North America in less than two years (CFIA).
  • Over two-thirds of Canadian animal feed and almost half of imported animal feed labeled as "vegetarian" contained animal materials (CFIA study).
  • 65% of Canadian animal feed and 45% of imported animal feed containing animal materials (CFIA study).
  • Almost 50% of U.S. FDA "import alerts" during the same period (Senators' letter to Governor Johanns).

Sources:

  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
  • Consumers Union
  • Senator Conrad and Representative Waxman's letter to Governor Johanns
  • USDA's Foreign Animal and Poultry Disease Advisory Committee