Canada PM: US Feed Caused BSE/From DTN

[rusty1]

I was talking about the American cow.

[rain]

Canada PM Comment On US Feed Unfounded
7/9 11:45

By Mike McGinnis
DTN Staff Reporter

DES MOINES (DTN)-- Canada still has shown no proof that it was U.S. feed that infected a cow last year with bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), or mad-cow disease, FDA officials told DTN on Friday.

The allegation was made by Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin in a speech Wednesday in Idaho. "When BSE, or mad cow, was discovered in a Canadian cow, some chose to ignore the fact that in all probability, the feed that gave it the disease came from the United States and consequently, the border was closed," he was quoted as saying.

"This is the first time that we have heard the allegation," Linda Grassie of the FDA/Center for Veterinary Medicine stated in an email.

Grassie was quick to point out neither the investigation conducted by the Canadian government nor the U.S. government indicated that feed or feed ingredients from the U.S. were implicated in the feeding of these animals.

"We understood that the source of the feed for both animals was traced to one or two feed mills in a single province in Canada, not the United States," Grassie said.

"While one can speculate what might have been fed to the two Canadian animals that developed BSE and the source of the feed, the long incubation period of 4 years or longer precludes any possibility of tracing the origin of the contaminated feed. In summary, we are aware of no evidence which would indicate that the feed originated in the U.S."

When asked why the statement was made more than a year after a thorough investigation on the subject, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) downplayed the comment.

"We believe the Prime Minister didn't mean to say that U.S. feed caused the BSE," Alain Charette, CFIA media relations officer said. Because North America's cattle industry is so integrated, he was making a point the feed could have come from either country."

" When science looks at BSE in North America, the market is integrated and risks are great for both sides. Plus, because of the integration we may not be able to find the origin of the feed."

Meanwhile, National Cattlemen's Beef Association's chief economist Gregg Doud said the Prime Minister's comment is much to do about nothing.

"This is not a new allegation. However, the Canadian government has yet to come forward with any evidence to support it."

Japan and South Korea still maintain bans on Canadian and U.S. beef because of BSE cases.

In December, the U.S. discovered a BSE case, but USDA officials believe the cow had been raised and likely infected in Canada. (DB)

[kato]

No one can prove it was U.S. feed, but then again no one can prove it wasn't.

The main thing to remember is that we've got to move past this thing, because we'll never know for sure.

[rain]

You are very correct.

[cowman]

At least Martin came out and stated the obvious? That this bloody disease could have come from America?
I mean the fact is their whole health/feed system is a bloody joke and if he called that in to question then good for him!
Personally I'm sick of America implying that we are some sort of simple cousins who screwed up and infected their pristine cow herd with BSE...when defacto we have one hell of a better cow herd and one hell of a better system? I would suggest we could teach those clowns a thing or two about running cows?
Good for you Paul Martin; for standing up and having the guts to say what we all know is the bloody truth!

[cowman]

Right right you're bloody well right. Quoting a line from Supertamp.
Sorry cowman coudn't help the paraphrase.
Just got home from the Calgary Stampede steer show where I tried to buy the two steers that fit into our branded beef project. Met with the Cargil man to see if we could pull the steers from the line to,I quote "pay these poor bugars a fair price for all the work they have put into these cattle". The truth is, we will likely have to watch Cargil pay the average daily price of 69 and some cents while we could have offered 1.60 on the rail. Ironically followed the liner out of the Stampede grounds with a profit load of around $30,000 before they even reach the kill floor. Pathetic business.

Back to your statement cowman about the potential for this cow to be infected in America. The truth is she most likely was, and it was not anything to do with feed. These two cows were most likely spontaneous cases. And the most amazing part is that spontaneous does not mean unexplained. Rather it means natural.
BSE is a natural occurance and will happen again and again. Our CFIA and every other Government Agency will tell you that they do not know what causes BSE. They only suspect from studies in the UK that BSE is spread by contaminated feed.

This Statement by our new found Prime Minister is an ill informed attempt to threaten the USA into opening the border. What a friggen joke. He has not a clue to what he is talking about. Go Paul Go. Maybe this childish approach will make headway in an equaly childish debate.

Sorry guys one or two beers on the way home tonight.

One step closer to putting a lunatics name on the ABP ballot for our area tonight after talking with a couple more delegates at the Stampede.

[cswilson]

Just sold some steers on the grid they netted 79 cents live after premiums with the 80 bucks government money they'll break even-not great but they were our third cut steers and hfrs. 540 weight calves are 2.02 our money stateside -WOW!!!!

[jensend]

all martin did was say what the rest of the world had to think when the americans refused to test the rest of the mabton herd. the risk was all to the downside for the americans if they tested that herd so they didn't do it and it just looked like a coverup.

[jensend]

It's nice to be so optimistic as to say that 79 cent fats broke even. Somehow I think that doing the math backwards would show somebody loosing money along that chain. Did you buy those cattle wilson, or did you raise them? I'm glad you feel good about your price, but I wish it could be a hell of a lot more.

[cswilson]

That broke even was calculated from the canfax price for that weight of cattle on the week they were placed-and well duh of course I'd of liked more-just thought some people would appreciate a look at what finishing economics are-they were some odds and ends we had of our own. There's a bunch of gallowayX steers on feed there if you looking for some by the way. RP have you ever had any dealings with Greenough Cattle Co. from Missoula, MT.

[cswilson]

Haven't delt with Mr. Mullendore yet but have heard a lot about him. Where are these calves wilson. Send me an Email if you like rpkaiser@telusplanet.net

[cswilson]

Ohh I was aiing cows down in Montana a few years ago and we brought in a bunch of Galloway cattle to custonm graze for him. As far as I know they still are running a bunch of his cows there.