06/30/05 Reaction to new BSE testing procedure?

U.S.D.A. was quick to point out that after the second known b.s.e. case in our nation was confirmed last week, that it was changing the way it would test livestock samples. Now when a test result came back inconclusive, instead of one test method or the other, both the gold standard immuno-histo-chemistry test and western blot test will be used simultaneously. So what does the cattle industry think about this? After all, the ultimate goal in the minds of those raising livestock is producing a safe animal and meat supply, and to show our potential customers that we are doing everything possible to make sure our product is safe. One reaction comes from Jay Truitt of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. He says it should be no surprise that U.S.D.A. is making adjustments in its testing procedure, in lieu in how this recent case of b.s.e. was discovered through a re-test. TRUITT: It became clear throughout the process that they're embracing the fact that there is new science and new knowledge. And N.C.B.A. and the cattle industry has never been afraid of actually applying good sound science to whatever knowledge that we have. Agreeing with N.C.B.A. on the adjusted testing procedures is R-C.A.L.F. U.S.A., which has been in favor of the dual testing procedure for some time. However, R-C.A.L.F. expressed overall disappointment that U.S.D.A. did not follow its own protocol for the suspected cow last November when an inclusive sample later was tested and found negative for b.s.e. under the I.H.C. testing method. But maybe the biggest indicator that U.S.D.A.'s modifications to its b.s.e. testing procedure is the right way to go is the reaction of the cattle markets. Although initial reaction was hesitant the first market day after the b.s.e. case was announced, the markets picked right up and closed higher than the previous day. U.S.D.A. Economist Shayle Shagam says the reaction was part due to continued consumer confidence in U.S. beef safety, and in part, due to concentration on other market related issues. SHAGAM: The market reports indicated a lot of the market was sort of looking forward to the court hearings in mid-late July concerning re-opening the border with Canada. That obviously could have an impact on the market. Any announcements out of either Japan or Korea could have an impact on the markets to. But talks are still proceeding with opening the border in those markets. All the while, groups like N.C.B.A., the American Meat Institute, and American Farm Bureau Federation say that the recent b.s.e. positive sample only shows that existing testing programs assure our beef supply is safe, and that the modified testing procedures should make the U.S. meat supply just that much more safe.