OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

U.S. Not Doing Everything to Prevent "Mad Cow," Said DeLauro

Date: June 24, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Agriculture and Food Health and Health Care Animals and Wildlife


U.S. Not Doing Everything to Prevent "Mad Cow," Said DeLauro

- 2nd confirmed case raises serious questions about oversight -

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3), ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, today issued the following statement on the 2nd case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or "mad cow" confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today. The first case was discovered in Washington state in December 2003.

"It is evident by the 2nd case of "mad cow" confirmed today that the U.S. is not doing everything in its power to prevent this disease and ensure the integrity of our cattle and food supply. That the USDA's Inspector General had to call for a 2nd round of tests on this animal after it had tested negative, raises serious questions about oversight in this country. Earlier today, Secretary Johanns expressed concern that he was not notified before these confirmatory tests were called. We are lucky the inspector general pursued this case.

"I am pleased to learn that this cow did not enter the food supply, but remain concerned that USDA is changing its protocols to use the immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western Blot tests if another inconclusive result is found only now. USDA should be using the most advanced technology possible, not instituting changes only because the inspector general called for another round of tests.

"We must also work to initiate a national animal tracing system that will ensure containment of BSE and many other animal diseases. If our country had such a system in place, like so many other countries already have, we would have crucial information at the time of an outbreak.

"I have also communicated my concerns to Secretary Johanns on the surveillance system that monitors downer cattle like the cow in question and urged him to reconsider this policy. As we have seen from this latest case, the surveillance system cannot be voluntary."

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/June/BSE_inaction_06_24_05.html

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