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State takes added measures to reduce risk of BSE
Colorado
Additional random testing of feed manufacturers will begin this year to reduce the risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in Colorado.
The Colorado Department of Agriculture will take random samples, using feed microscopy to specifically screen them for ruminant materials. Feeding cattle products that have such prohibited materials is attributed to the spread of BSE in countries such as Europe.
"We have been very diligent with our BSE Rule inspections, but this is just one more way to ensure we are being very thorough in our efforts," said Chandra Hardwick, feed program coordinator at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "Although feed microscopy is an extremely time consuming process, it is still the gold standard that agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration use to test for prohibited materials."
If a feed sample is found with any prohibited ingredients, an investigation will be immediately conducted on the manufacturer's ingredients, processes and records.
In Colorado, the Feed Program ensures quality, safety and efficacy of commercial feed, as well as integrity in the marketplace, through the enforcement of the Colorado Commercial Feed law. State inspectors conduct random and directed feed sampling as well as product label reviews at all stages of feed manufacturing and sales in Colorado.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a chronic degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of cattle. First diagnosed in 1986 in Great Britain, symptoms include changes in temperament, abnormal posture, lack of coordination and difficulty rising, decreased milk production or loss of body weight. The incubation period, when an animal becomes infected until it begins showing signs of the disease, is from two to eight years. At this time, there is no treatment or vaccine to prevent the disease.
Contact the Colorado Department of Agriculture at 303-477-0081 for more information on the Colorado Commercial Feed Law or visit the website at www.ag.state.co.us/ics/Techserve/Feed/BSEInfo.html.
Date: 1/26/05
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