BSE Negative; Testing Issues Again

The NCBA Summer Conference opened July 27 with news that USDA was investigating another possible case of BSE.  On Aug. 3, the agency said that further testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, in addition to tests at the international reference lab in Weybridge, England, confirmed that the case was negative.

USDA said the initial non-definitive result was caused by artifactual (artificial or untrue) staining and, while this staining did not resemble BSE, the agency felt further testing was needed, which drew a response from the NCBA Board of Directors over the agency’s testing protocol.  The NCBA Board of Directors July 30 passed a resolution for NCBA to continue to press USDA to be accountable for its BSE testing program and to make sure the agency adheres to a science-based protocol.

NCBA President Jim McAdams worked to assure consumers.  “The interlocking firewall system, which includes a ban preventing any part of an animal that could carry BSE infectivity (such as brain and spinal cord) from entering the human food supply, continues to protect public and animal health from this disease,” said McAdams. “This process happens every day with every animal to ensure this diminishing disease has no affect on public health. In addition, science has shown BSE infectivity has not been found in beef, including steaks, roasts and ground beef.”

The suspect animal, which was at least 12 years old and U.S. in origin, was first found in April by a private veterinarian outside the USDA expanded testing program.  The cow’s age means it was born prior to the 1997 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban. BSE is not contagious, McAdams explained.  The disease is only known to spread through contaminated feed so the feed ban breaks the cycle and helps assure the disease will be eliminated. 

The cow displayed calving difficulties, died and never entered the human or animal feed chain.

According to USDA’s Chief Veterinarian Dr. John Clifford, the veterinarian at the scene on April 24 took a brain sample and preserved it because the cow had exhibited possible nervous system disorder signs;  however, he didn’t forward the sample to USDA until July 19.  The IHC test showed “some staining” but it was inconsistent with other BSE cases, so further tests were ordered and samples were sent to Weybridge, England for testing, in addition to the USDA lab in Ames, Iowa.  Due to the preservative used, which was permissible at the time the brain sample was taken, the sample couldn’t be tested using either the rapid test or Western blot. 

Clifford explained that in June USDA changed its policy and now requires that it receive all samples within 48 hours. 

 Clifford said that this cow was called an indefinite positive because the preservative prohibited the use of the rapid test.  When results are in question prior to an IHC test, protocol says they are referred to as an inconclusive and Clifford said the agency wanted to avoid confusion with the rapid test since it wasn’t run.

“We have met with (USDA Secretary Johanns) and expressed some deep concerns with the precision as we go through this process,” said NCBA Vice President of Public Affairs Jay Truitt.  “Obviously, somebody didn’t follow the protocol.”

“As America’s beef producers, our No. 1 priority has always been providing the safest beef in the world,” McAdams said. “Our livelihood depends on it. That’s why we have worked for more than 15 years to build, maintain and expand the safeguards that today are protecting consumers and our cattle from BSE.”