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News Update
July 11, 2005


Index Herd Tests Negative for BSE

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced yesterday it had completed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) testing of adult animals culled from the index herd of the BSE-positive, 12-year-old Texas cow announced June 24.

Bio Rad tests, industry-standard rapid tests used to detect BSE, conducted on samples from all 67 adult animals culled from the index herd tested negative for the disease at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa.

According to APHIS, this completes testing of animals located at the ranch where the positive animal originated. The agency continues to track animals of interest, and testing will be conducted as those animals are located, APHIS reports.


Senators Push for Trade

Senator Pat Roberts recently led a group of 15 other senators in an attempt to encourage Taiwan and Egypt to continue imports of U.S. beef. The U.S. previously regained beef trade with both countries earlier this spring; however, Taiwan quickly closed its borders following the United States’ second case of BSE announced late June.

According to a release issued by Roberts, the group sent letters to Taiwan’s Minister of Health, Sheng-Mou Hou, and Egyptian Ambassador Nabil Fahmy explaining the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) science-based system of interlocking safeguards and encouraging both officials to “work to the best of our ability to continue to pursue trade policies that foster growth and economic prosperity.”


NCBA Chooses ID Technology Partner

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced last week its Animal Identification Commission — in an effort to develop an industry-managed animal identification (ID) system with 48-hour traceback — had selected BearingPoint Inc. as the lead technology consultant for its proposed animal ID program. The company will provide the platform for information storage, an NCBA release stated.

BearingPoint was selected from more than 10 companies for its experience in large system integration efforts, understanding of producer and government needs, and speed of implementation. According to NCBA, the technology company is expected to test a pilot system by October 2005, with hopes of being fully operational by Jan. 1, 2006.

To learn more visit www.beefusa.org.


California Largest Ag Exporter, Illinois Claims Third

USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) announced Friday that Illinois has surpassed Texas to rank third among U.S. agricultural exporting states, based upon fiscal year (FY) 2004 figures. Ag exports reached a record-breaking $62.2 billion in FY 2004, boosted by a declining U.S. dollar.

Illinois ranked first in soybean exports, and Arkansas replaced Indiana in the top 10 exporting states. Iowa ranked second, and California maintained its ranking as the top ag exporting state, with $9.2 billion worth of exports in 2004 — 15% of total U.S. figures.


— compiled by Crystal Albers, Angus Productions Inc. assistant editor

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