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Atypical BSE not a threat

The chief veterinarian for USDA says he has every expectation the case of atypical BSE in an Alabama cow is isolated.

“It’s spontaneous, so our epidemiology should not be that difficult.”

That’s Dr. Jack Shere, who explains USDA’s process when the neurological cattle disease is detected.

“We do a trace-back on the animal.  We do epidemiology on the animals (the sick) animal is housed with, and on any offspring.  So we’ll go back and look at those to possibly either monitor them or purchase them (for) the process (of) checking them.”

This is the fifth confirmed case in the U.S. since 2003, and the first since 2012 when a 10 year old cow in California tested positive for atypical BSE.

There are two forms of BSE, atypical and classic. Neither are contagious, however classic has been linked to a rare but fatal brain disease in humans.

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says the 11 year old cow in Alabama never entered slaughter channels, presenting no risk to the food supply.

And U.S. Cattlemen’s Association president Kenny Graner says the latest BSE case should not affect the trade status or trade relations of the U.S.