Headline News 

First of Two Inconclusive Samples Confirmed Negative for BSE
During the technical briefing held at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 30, 2004, the United States Department of Agriculture announced the results of a test for BSE on an animal whose initial rapid screening test results were announced inconclusive on June 25.  Using the gold standard of BSE testing, immunohistochemistry, the government has confirmed that the animal did not have BSE.  
 

This result is not unexpected. As part of USDA's expanded BSE surveillance program, a rapid screening test is used as the first step in a two-part testing process. USDA expected some inconclusive results from this initial step. Because the rapid tests are sensitive, they are subject to occasional inconclusive results that later prove to be negative.  The rapid test allows the government to conduct a strong and statistically valid targeted surveillance for BSE.
 

“It is a little like going through the airport metal detector,” said Jan Lyons, NCBA President and Kansas cattle producer.  “We all have had the detector beep on us at least once, but it didn't mean we were carrying a prohibited item. It simply meant more testing was needed.”

While this animal did not have BSE, the government has indicated that finding some additional cases of the disease is possible through the expanded surveillance program. In addition to keeping this particular animal out of the food supply, food safety is assured because USDA prohibits from the food supply any material that could carry the BSE agent (such as brain and spinal cord). These are removed before processing.

Top scientists, government experts and food industry leaders agree that U.S. beef remains safe and that the risk of BSE to humans is near zero. That's due in part to the fact that the BSE agent is not found in the beef we commonly eat, such as steaks, roasts and ground beef. In fact, after years of research, scientists have never found BSE in beef muscle.  For more information on BSE, visit www.BSEinfo.org.                                                                                               - Information provided by NCBA
 

Cattle Industry News

Cattle Futures React to First Inconclusive BSE Test

In the wake of a government announcement that may indicate the second case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy discovered in the U.S., cattle futures Monday saw their largest decline since America's first case of BSE was announced in December, but futures rebounded somewhat on Tuesday.

Live cattle for August delivery fell 2.925 cents, or 3.3 percent, to 86.425 cents a pound on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Monday after dropping the 3-cent limit to 86.35 cents earlier in the day. It was the biggest one-day drop since Dec. 31.  Tuesday trading saw August live cattle rise 1.45 cents to 87.87 cents a pound.                                                   - Eric Hanson, Meatingplace.com, 6/30/04

U.S./Japan BSE Working Group Witnesses BSE Surveillance Program at Work

Statement By Dr. Peter Fernandez Of The Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service For The U.S. BSE Technical Working Group

“The U.S./Japan Technical BSE Working Group today concluded its second of three meetings with the objective of establishing a thorough review of the available information on BSE.

“The three days of discussions and tours, held in Fort Collins, Colo., provided the team members with the opportunity to have an in-depth dialogue on several key issues, including:

    --The definition of BSE and methods of testing;
    --The definition of Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) and methods for removal;
    --The appropriate level and focus of surveillance;
    --Risk assessment; and
    --Feed ban implementation, among others.
 

“Our tours of a slaughter facility, feed lot and feed mill were important opportunities for the Japanese members of the working group to witness the implementation of U.S. BSE safeguards, our rigorous enforcement of these safeguards and the compliance by industry.

“We also informed the Japanese of the status of the two inconclusive BSE test results we have received as part of our enhanced BSE surveillance program. We shared with them the USDA statement announcing that the inconclusive screening test sample reported on June 25 tested negative for BSE at the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL) in Ames, Iowa upon confirmatory testing. Neither of these animals entered the human food chain, nor animal feed chain and we have assured the Japanese that we will keep them fully informed of any further developments of our ongoing investigation of the second inconclusive test.

“The meetings were successful in advancing our mutual understanding of each countries’ measures, their purpose and effectiveness. We look forward to our meeting in Japan next month where we will finalize our technical report that will serve as the basis for the discussions between our governments to establish the terms by which beef trade will resume.”

Missouri Cattlemen’s Association News 

MCA Teams Up to Send Beef Sticks to Missouri Guardsmen in Iraq

Missouri National Guardsmen serving in Iraq will soon have the opportunity to enjoy some Missouri beef, thanks to a partnership between the Missouri Association of Meat Processors (MAMP), Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, Missouri Beef Industry Council, and the Missouri Farm Bureau Federation.  The project began as an idea at the MAMP meeting in March and has grown to a $30,000 project coordinated by the four groups and supported by several individuals, businesses, and county cattlemen’s groups.

The beef sticks were prepared for shipping during a ceremony and press conference Tuesday, June 29, 2004 at the Missouri Cattle Industry Headquarters.  Representatives of the supporting groups, as well as a recently returned National Guardsman and family members of guardsmen currently serving took part in the ceremony.  Moberly cattle producer Robert Wilcox, whose son Wayne is serving in Iraq, thanked all who were responsible for the project.  "One of the things my son said he would like to have in the packages we sent to him was some of this beef jerky, and I know he will appreciate it."

MCA member and cattle producer Bill Blades of Holiday, Missouri, offered his thanks on behalf of those in the Guard still serving in Iraq.  “It’s a tough thing to be 7,000 miles away from home and everything you hold dear, so it’s good to know there are people at home who support what you’re doing.”  Blades returned home from Iraq in January.

Each guardsman will receive two individual eight ounce packages of vacuum sealed beef sticks, made from cattle donated by Missouri producers and processed by members of the Missouri Association of Meat Processors (MAMP).  Swiss Meat and Sausage, Hermann, MO, was on hand to share samples of the beef sticks with those participating in the ceremony, as well as the media.  Thanks to all MCA members and county cattlemen’s groups for your generous contributions to this project. 

Calendar of Events

July 12-17       National Junior Angus Show, hosted by Missouri Junior Angus Association –

American Royal Complex, Kansas City

July 13             St. Clair County Cattlemen – Smith’s, Collins, 7:00 p.m.

August 12-20   Missouri State Fair, Sedalia

The Fine Print

This newsletter is a publication of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.  All rights reserved – this newsletter may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without permission of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association.  Did someone forward this message to you?  To subscribe yourself, send an email to cattleinfo@mocattle.com. 

Do you have questions, comments or suggestions?

Would you like to advertise in our newsletter? 

If so, please contact McKenzie Keedy at (573) 499-9162 or mckenzie@mocattle.com. 

To unsubscribe, send a reply e-mail with “unsubscribe” in the subject line.