The animal was never presented for slaughter, and at no time presented a risk to the food supply or human health, USDA said.
USDA chief veterinary officer, John Clifford, said: “Evidence shows that our systems and safeguards to prevent BSE are working, as are similar actions taken by countries around the world.
“In 2011, there were only 29 worldwide cases of BSE, a dramatic decline and 99% reduction since the peak in 1992 of 37,311 cases. This is directly attributable to the impact and effectiveness of feed bans as a primary control measure for the disease.”
Samples from the animal in question were tested at USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa. Confirmatory results using immunohistochemistry and western blot tests confirmed the animal was positive for atypical BSE, a very rare form of the disease not generally associated with an animal consuming infected feed.
Source: USDA
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