"Mad Cow" Disease (BSE)

Publication Date: July 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing

Type:

Abstract:

The first confirmed U.S. occurrence of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE or "mad cow" disease) was announced on December 23, 2003, in a Holstein dairy cow born in Canada and slaughtered December 9 in Washington state. U.S. officials have characterized the risks to human health as extremely low. Nonetheless, they are still attempting to determine the extent if any, of other BSE cases here, to strengthen safeguards against the disease, and to reassure consumers and foreign markets that U .S. beef is safe. Congress is following closely the BSE situation; some Members have proposed legislation on aspects of the issue.