BSE inconclusive not expected to disrupt progress with Japan
US - USDA yesterday announced it had an "inconclusive" result on a rapid test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) for a cow at an undisclosed location. Tissue samples have been sent to USDA for confirmatory testing. Results of those tests are not expected for 4-7 days.
19 November 2006
1 minute read
The animal was part of the population considered "high risk" under USDA's enhanced BSE surveillance plan. By the USDA definition, that means it was either nonambulatory, exhibited signs of a central nervous system disorder other signs that may be associated with BSE, such as emaciation or injury or it was dead.
This is the third inconclusive test result since the surveillance program began on June 1. USDA announced two inconclusive tests in July. So far, USDA has tested 113,264 cattle under the program.
"The inconclusive result does not mean we have found another case of BSE in this country," Andrea Morgan, Associate Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services with APHIS, told reporters Thursday. "Inconclusive results are a normal component of screening tests, which are designed to be extremely sensitive so that they will detect any samples that could possibly be positive."
Source: Agriculture Online
