Existing safeguards protected food supply in BSE case -April 24, 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 24, 2012— “American beef and dairy products are safe. The safeguards our government has in place to detect any incidence of this disease are clearly working. The report of a cow with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, discovered during the pre-rendering process, is proof that our detection system works," said American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman.

“Government officials have confirmed that the animal in question was a dairy cow from California. This animal did not enter the food chain," Stallman continued.  "Scientists say the animal displayed an atypical case of BSE, meaning it is a rare form not generally associated with feed consumption. USDA scientists said they remain confident in the health of the national herd and the safety of beef and dairy products."

“We are pleased to hear that the Agriculture Department is conducting a comprehensive and immediate investigation into additional details surrounding this case.”

To learn more about BSE, information can found at the following Web sites:

• Centers for Disease Control Q&A: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/bse/
• Food and Drug Administration Q&A: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/GuidanceComplianceEnforcement/ComplianceEnforcement/BovineSpongiformEncephalopathy/default.htm
• U.S. Department of Agriculture Q&A: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/bse/index.shtml
• Beef Industry Scientific Panel Information Resource: www.BSEinfo.org