FAO approves global effort to control “mad cow” disease

FAO approves global effort to control “mad cow” disease

FAO approves global effort to control “mad cow” disease

   The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization said the few recent cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow” disease, in the United States and Canada should not cause panic among consumers and producers.

   “The three cases in Canada and the one case in the U.S. from an imported animal are isolated incidents,” said Andrew Speedy, an FAO animal production expert, in a statement Monday.

   The FAO credits the United States and Canada for taking action to control the spread of the brain-wasting disease. A ban on feeding infected protein to livestock has been in place in both countries since 1997.

   Western European countries experienced significant numbers of BSE cases in 2001-2002, but the disease is declining now in the region. There have also been some cases in Eastern Europe, Israel and Japan.

   The FAO said there’s a need for “a steady, scientific approach to ensure that the disease is kept out of unaffected countries.” Control measures may include identification of animals by using ear tags or electronic systems, national registration and movement records, compulsory testing of suspect animals, and general awareness among producers and veterinarians. “Incentives may need to be given to encourage detection of suspect cases,” FAO said.