The following statement
should be attributed to AMI President and CEO
J. Patrick Boyle:
“U.S. beef is among
the safest in the world and USDA's decision to
return to a normal level of BSE surveillance
reflects that fact. This decision is an
appropriate one based upon the extremely low
level of BSE detected in U.S. herds and
represents excellent news about American cattle
health and U.S. beef safety.
After the
first U.S. case of BSE in December 2003, USDA
committed to an enhanced surveillance program
in order to detect any additional cases with a
high degree of confidence. The department at
that time expected to test up to 300,000
animals. Amazingly, USDA tested nearly 800,000
high risk animals - those most likely to test
positive - but only two additional cases were
confirmed.
These findings demonstrate
how well the U.S. BSE prevention system has
worked. No other nation took the actions we
did ten years before we ever detected our first
case. Harvard University's 1998 prediction
that if we ever diagnosed BSE it would be
quickly contained and eradicated appears to
have been correct.
The new
surveillance program will sample approximately
40,000 animals each year. While this may be
less than what we have seen over the past two
years, it exceeds by ten times the
internationally recognized, science-based
guidelines set forth by the World Animal Health
organization.
There is no question
that the U.S. continues to lead the way in BSE
prevention. We are confident that our trading
partners will agree that we have gone above and
beyond in providing assurances about our beef
production system.”
AMI Says USDA's Return to Normal Level Is Appropriate Given Extremely Low Level of BSE In U.S.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
For more information contact:
David Ray Vice President, Public Affairs 202-587-4243 dray@meatinstitute.org |
Janet Riley Sr. Vice President, Public Affairs 202-587-4245 jriley@meatinstitute.org |

