By Dan Modlin
Bowling Green, KY – The head of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture
says the fact that a case of mad cow disease was
detected in Washington State is a good indication that
the inspection system is working. Glenn Slack is the
Chief Executive Officer of the Bowling Green-based
group. He says the situation regarding the extent of
mad cow disease in Washington state should become
much clearer within a few days.
Slack says an extensive surveillance program for
mad cow disease has been in place for several years
in the United States. He points out that more than
twenty thousand animals were tested for the disease
during routine surveillance last year in the United States.
All of those animals tested negative.
The head of the Kentucky Cattleman's Association, Dave
Maples, says several beef producers have expressed
concern about the impact the situation could have
on demand for beef. Agriculture officials in the state say
Kentucky is the leading beef-producing state east of the
Mississippi River.