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California BSE cow was an isolated case
After a three-month investigation, the USDA has determined that BSE-positive dairy cow found in California last April was an isolated case and never posed a threat to the U.S. food or feed supply. Ag Department investigators tracked the 10-year-old Holstein from birth to a heifer raising operation and to the Tulare County dairy farm where she spent her entire adult life. They identified 282 birth cohorts, none were found alive. One offspring was found, euthanized and tested; it did not have the disease.
The Food and Drug Administration also investigated a dozen feed suppliers linked to the animal and found all were in compliance with federal standards.
Lab tests had determined this was a case of “atypical BSE”, a random mutation that just occurs now-and-then. Dr. Ron DeHaven with the American Veterinary Medical Association says the molecular weight of the prions of atypical BSE is different and it appears the disease occurs spontaneously without any source such as contaminated feed.
Read the USDA report here:
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