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Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) Surveillance Program and Holding Procedures
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Previous Requirements
Before Jan 12, 2004 |
Current Requirements
Beginning Jan 12, 2004 |
Situation:
No BSE positives had been found in the U.S.
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Situation:
The first BSE positive for a cow in the U.S. was confirmed on December 25, 2003.
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Testing for BSE:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) tested cattle for BSE:
- Cattle that FSIS personnel condemned because they showed possible symptoms of BSE.
- This included non-ambulatory disabled cattle, which were allowed to be slaughtered in certain cases.
- Random samples from brains of cattle that appeared to be healthy (surveillance).
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Testing for BSE:
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) tests cattle for BSE:
- Cattle that FSIS personnel condemn because they show possible symptoms of BSE.
- FSIS no longer allows non-ambulatory disabled cattle to be slaughtered. The owner is responsible for having the animal humanely euthanized. APHIS will sample the carcass for BSE at an inedible rendering facility.
- APHIS will continue BSE surveillance and testing at an increased rate.
- APHIS veterinarians send samples to USDA's National Veterinary Services Laboratories.
(A notice was published on January 12, 2004.)
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Inspection procedures - FSIS:
- "Inspected and passed" mark of inspection applied to carcasses and parts from cattle that were selected for testing by APHIS for BSE, before the results were received.
- Recommended that plants hold carcasses until test results were received.
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Inspection procedures - FSIS:
- "Inspected and passed" mark of inspection will not be applied to carcasses and parts from cattle that are selected for testing by APHIS for BSE.
- Is developing a Directive to instruct inspection program personnel on procedures.
(A notice was published on January 12, 2004.)
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