Still Aren’t Budging

Despite what appeared to be a slight backing down several days ago, Japanese officials now appear to be standing firm on their demand that the U.S. test all of its cattle for BSE.

The disagreement between the two countries basically boils down to two points of contention…

First, Japan appears to be considerably more edgy about BSE than their American counterparts after turning up 11 confirmed BSE cases since October, 2001, several of them in animals that did not appear to be displaying symptoms.

Age is another bone of contention. American officials argue that market cows under 30 months are unlikely to contract BSE. However, Japanese officials claim they have found BSE in two animals under 30 months --- a fact disputed by Americans who claimed more rigorous testing turned up nothing in the two young cows.

Recently National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Jan Lyons released a statement outlining NCBA’s position on trade negotiations and private testing.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at April 22, 2004 09:00 AM | TrackBack