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From: TSS ()
BSE SAMPLING IN WYOMING A CALL FOR SAMPLES FROM THE AVIC Bovine spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), commonly referred to as "mad cow disease," is a chronic degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of cattle. In December 2003 a single dairy cow previously imported from Canada into the state of Washington was diagnosed as positive. As a result of this diagnosis the United States lost many export markets for animals and animal products. To regain the confidence of other countries, we needed an extensive surveillance program to prove the United States was free of BSE. Each state was assigned a goal for the number of samples to be collected. Wyoming’s goal is 239 brain stems from suspicious cattle. To date only 86 samples have been collected. We urgently need to increase our submission rate. Your assistance is necessary if we are to come close to our goal. We are not asking you to personally collect brain stems. All you need to do is to notify Dr. Combs office of any suspicious cases. He will dispatch a federal veterinarian to do the collection. There are two levels of suspicion that meet the surveillance criteria. - Cattle of any age If you have specific questions or need to report a suspicious case please contact USDA-APHIS- Veterinary Services at 307-432-7960 or toll free 866-536-7593. The bottom line: we need more brains! Thanks for your assistance. Dr. Bret A. Combs, DVM Area Veterinarian in Charge, Wyoming USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services http://wyovet.uwyo.edu/Newsletters/Vol_6/Iss_3.pdf
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