More mad cow

last updated 8 January 2015

Ames, Iowa

Scientists in Iowa this week launched tests to confirm what may be the second case of mad-cow disease in the U.S. Brain tissue from the animal appeared infected in one test but not in others, and a conclusive test will take two weeks. The first case, two years ago, involved an animal imported from Canada. But in this one, the cow was born in the U.S., raising fears that the U.S. beef supply could be at risk. Taiwan has threatened to ban imports if the new case is confirmed. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said meat from the cow never made it to market, and that to prove the beef supply is safe he intended to “enjoy a good steak” for dinner.