OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Statement of US Senator Tom Harkin on the Presumptive Case of BSE in Washington State Cow

Date: Dec. 23, 2003
Issues: Agriculture and Food Health and Health Care Animals and Wildlife

STATEMENT OF U.S. SENATOR TOM HARKIN ON THE PRESUMPTIVE CASE OF BSE IN WASHINGTON STATE COW

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2003

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, the Ranking Democratic Member of the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, released the following statement regarding the announcement this evening that a cow in Washington State had tested "presumptively positive" for BSE.

"The discovery of a cow in Washington State that tested "presumptively positive" for BSE or "mad cow disease" raises grave concerns. We are awaiting the final test results, but if the case is confirmed it will be the first in the United States.

"USDA is responding rapidly according to the BSE plan it has in place. It is critical to find out how the animal became infected and to isolate and confine any other animals that may have been infected.

"It is important to keep the matter in perspective while the case is investigated. The scientific information indicates that BSE is not a disease that is easily transmitted to humans or spread through animal herds.

"However, this case underscores the need for a thorough review of our nation's system of safeguards against BSE. We must make certain that anti-BSE measures adopted by USDA and FDA are as strong and effective as they can be to protect consumers and to prevent the spread of BSE from one animal to another. I will continue to work with and call upon USDA and FDA to take all actions necessary to keep BSE out of the food supply and to isolate and eradicate the disease.

arrow_upward