Statement from Secretary Dennis C. Wolff, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture to Pennsylvania Livestock Producers, 12/30/03

DATE: December 30, 2003
TO: Pennsylvania Livestock Producers
FROM: Dennis C Wolff, Secretary of Agriculture
RE: Remain Vigilant on Animal Health Issues

In light of the announcement by USDA Secretary Ann Veneman regarding the single case of BSE (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) that has been diagnosed in a Washington State cow, I encourage all Pennsylvania livestock producers to remain vigilant in their animal health monitoring. This recent development underscores the importance of good animal health best management practices, surveillance and record keeping.Since 1990, USDA has conducted a BSE surveillance program. In 2003, over 20,000 animals were tested. All Pennsylvania animals have tested negative. This program has helped raise the awareness among producers, processors, veterinarians, and others about the detection and response measures to BSE. Every livestock producer is critical to the integrity and success of this program. As a reminder, it is important to:

1. Continue to follow the Food and Drug Administration’s ruminant feed ban that was put in place in 1997. This ban prohibits the feeding of ruminant by-products to cattle and other ruminants.

2. Establish an individual animal identification system for your herd. Make sure an accurate record of all incoming and outgoing animals is maintained.

3. Participate in a quality assurance program such as the Pennsylvania Dairy Quality Assurance Program or Pennsylvania Dairy/Beef Quality Assurance Program.

4. Have all non-ambulatory animals exhibiting central nervous system symptoms tested at the Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory. The Department of Agriculture is available to assist.

The USDA has initiated a comprehensive epidemiological investigation working with state, public health, and industry counterparts to determine the source of the disease. USDA will also work with the FDA as they conduct animal feed investigations, the primary pathway for the spread of BSE. The Department is working with our federal partners to ensure that everything is being done to protect Pennsylvania’s livestock industry.For further information visit www.usda.gov.