Bovine spongiform encephalopathy case confirmed in California On
April 24, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed
the nation’s fourth case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE, or “mad cow” disease). The animal was humanely euthanized
after it developed lameness and became recumbent and was sampled
for disease at a rendering facility in central California.
Samples were sent to the California Animal Health and Food
Safety Laboratory for testing and forwarded to the National
Veterinary Services Laboratories for confirmation. A positive
animal’s carcass will be destroyed. According to a statement by
the USDA, the cow did not enter the animal feed or human food
supply and presents no risk to U.S. consumers. Additionally, the
USDA reiterates that BSE cannot be transmitted through cow’s
milk. The diseased animal was identified as part of a
comprehensive safeguard system designed to protect public and
animal health from BSE in the United States, the USDA says. The
system is made up of three elements