WASHINGTON, May 2 – USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provided an update Wednesday on its ongoing epidemiological investigation into the California dairy cow infected with BSE.
Investigators have identified both of the calves born to the positive cow in the last two years. One was stillborn and the other was located in another state. The second animal was euthanized and tested for BSE at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. Test results for that animal were negative, APHIS said.
The agency has put a hold on all cattle at a second dairy that is associated with the Tulare County dairy of the initial positive cow, but it didn’t say how the dairies were connected. An inventory of both herds has been completed, and investigators are checking records to determine if any at-risk cattle are present.
APHIS announced that a calf ranch where the initial positive cow was raised 10 years ago is also being investigated. The location of the ranch was not disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration and CDFA continue to examine feed records. To date, 10 feed firms have been identified as suppliers for the dairy of the positive cow, APHIS said.
USDA indicated that additional information would be released as it becomes available.
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