Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as "mad cow disease", was confirmed in a cow in Washington state in December 2003.

In response, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Fred L. Dailey instructed ODA veterinarians and inspectors to take swift action to fully implement new USDA standards to protect the livestock industry and human health.

How is Ohio protecting the safety of our domestic beef supply?

To this end, Director Dailey announced policy changes in Ohio's state meat inspection program to ban non-ambulatory, disabled (downer) cattle from slaughter for human consumption. In addition, meat processors are now required to hold the meat of animals being tested for BSE until test results are confirmed negative.

ODA policy directives may be reviewed in ODA's January 2, 2004 news release.

Link to the Center for Disease Control:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/cjd/cjd.htm