NEWS RELEASE l Ohio Department of Agriculture
Governor Bob Taft Lieutenant Governor Jennette B. Bradley Director Fred L. Dailey		Communications Office 8995 East Main Street • Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068 Phone: 614-752-9817 • Fax 614-466-4346 ODA URL: www.ohioagriculture.gov • e-mail: agri@odant.agri.state.oh.us

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 31, 2003
Media Contact: Melanie Wilt, ODA Communications, 614-752-9817

Statement from Ohio Agriculture Director Fred Dailey

on Additional Protection Measures to Guard Against BSE

Fred L. Dailey, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA), issued the following statement today:

I want to commend U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman for her bold announcement yesterday of additional U.S. safeguards to protect against bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as “mad cow disease.”

I have instructed ODA veterinarians and inspectors to take swift action to fully implement the standards outlined yesterday by USDA in the State of Ohio to protect the livestock industry and human health. I encourage Ohio producers, meat processors, and renderers to react swiftly and make the appropriate changes to their operations in order to comply with the measures.

I am especially pleased to hear that all downer (non-ambulatory) cattle will be banned from sale for human consumption. This prohibition not only succeeds in minimizing the risk of BSE, but also diminishes concerns about inhumane treatment and diminished meat quality associated with downer animals. We will work with the industry and veterinary professionals to develop alternative disposal methods for these animals.

These extraordinary measures are a significant investment in maintaining consumer confidence, both domestic and international, in our food supply. They will support the safeguards already in place in the U.S. and Ohio to assure safe, wholesome, unadulterated food is produced on our farms and will serve to strengthen the most comprehensive food-safety system in the world.

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