DeLauro: More Coordination Needed Now that 1st Native-Born "Mad Cow" Case Identified

DeLauro: More Coordination Needed Now that 1st Native-Born "Mad Cow" Case Identified

On the heels of a USDA announcement this evening that the first case of "mad cow" was identified in a native-born cow, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) today called for greater coordination between the Departments of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Agriculture (USDA). Earlier today, DeLauro sent letters to the secretaries of both agencies, outlining specific actions need to increase oversight. Click here for the letters: http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/June/BSE_letters_06_29_05.html. DeLauro is ranking member of the House Appropriations Agriculture subcommittee, which oversees the budgets of USDA and FDA.

"We cannot allow the announcement of the first case of ‘mad cow' in a native-born animal to be identified without a major overhaul of coordination between HHS and the USDA," said DeLauro. "We are glad that this cow did not enter the human food supply, but we must ensure the safety of our oversight to prevent future cases of this dangerous disease."

In April, DeLauro introduced H.R. 1507, the Safe Food Act. The legislation calls for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), housed at USDA and the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), housed in FDA to be moved into a new, single food agency. Identical legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Dick Durbin (D-IL).

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2005/June/native_born_06_29_05.html