CDFA chief says safeguards protect food

California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross said late yesterday the report of an incidence of mad cow disease in central California shows that measures to control such outbreaks are working.

Here is her statement:

“The detection of BSE shows that the surveillance program in place in California and around the country is working. Milk and beef remain safe to consume. The disease is not transmitted through milk. Because of the strength of the food protection system, the cow did not enter the food or feed supply. There are numerous safeguards in place to prevent BSE from entering the food chain.

“The atypical BSE designation is important because this is a very rare form of BSE not generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed. CDFA veterinarians are working with the USDA to investigate this case and to identify whether additional cows are at risk. Feed restrictions in place in California and around the country for the last 15 years minimize that risk to the greatest degree possible. We will provide additional information about this case as it becomes available.”

In the photo, courtesy of the USDA, biologist Larry Stanker (standing) and chemist David Brandon review results of a rapid immunoassay. They are developing new technology for sensitive detection of BSE, surrogate markers, and risk factors.