The discovery is part of USDA's very aggressive animal surveillance and BSE testing program, which tests cattle in the US at a level 100 times greater than required by international standards.

Since June 2004, more than 388,000 cattle have been tested under this program.

Most importantly, beef from this animal did not enter the food supply.

It is also extremely important to put this finding in its proper perspective and to reaffirm that U.S. beef is safe and wholesome.

The American Meat Institute is the USA's oldest and largest meat and poultry trade association. AMI is dedicated to increasing the efficiency, profitability and safety of meat and poultry trade worldwide.

American Meat Institute
http://www.multivu.com