Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Disease Alerts - Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) aka "Mad Cow Disease"
How North Carolina is working to prevent Mad Cow Disease
Preventive measures
Since 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has banned the feeding of meat and bone meal to ruminant animals. The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services annually inspects feed mills, rendering facilities, warehouses and other facilities to ensure compliance.
All animals presented for slaughter in North Carolina are inspected for signs of mad cow disease. Suspect animals are tested. All tests have been negative for the disease.
North Carolina is one of 25 states with their own state meat inspection program in addition to the one operated by the USDA.
Surveillance
The NCDA&CS participates in the USDA's nationwide BSE surveillance program, which involves the inspection of every animal presented for slaughter and follow-up laboratory testing of any presented animal that can't walk or shows signs of disease affecting the central nervous system.
North Carolina's system for identifying and tracking animal movements and for tracking processed meat and feed is as strong as any in the nation.
For more information …
1-866-487-3226 (Mad Cow Disease Update Line from USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service)
301-734-7799 (APHIS Public Affairs Office)
Dr. Michael Martin, State Veterinarian - (919) 707-3250
Dr. Catherine Harris, Director of Animal Health Programs/Livestock - (919) 707-3250
Dr. Rebecca Mansell, Director of Animal Health Programs/Poultry - (919) 707-3250
