Cattle cooperation

Genetic testing recently confirmed that the Holstein afflicted with mad cow disease came from a herd in Alberta, Canada. This significant step is a sign of how effectively the investigation has so far been run. However, it would be unfortunate if this single instance led to unwarranted regulation, instead of continued cross-border cooperation and perhaps even better appetites on both sides of the border.

Confirmation of the cow’s origin should allow investigators to determine the extent of the potential infection and may lead them to the source of the original infection. The most likely culprit is feed contaminated with the prion that causes mad cow disease.

As scientists continue their investigations, authorities have taken several precautions to prevent a possible outbreak. Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced new restrictions on the handling of beef, and a herd of 449 bull calves containing a calf from the infected Holstein was slaughtered. Additional cullings and quarantines of potentially contaminated herds may also be in order.

While such measures are necessary, the quick implementation of country-of-origin labeling now called for by lawmakers seems less so. The measure is backed by several Democrats, including Sens. Tom Daschle, Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan.

There is little to object to in the principle of labeling meat with its country of origin. However, such regulations could be costly and would not cover all cases. Hamburger, for instance, is often produced from meat mixed from several countries. Even worse, country-of-origin labels might be misleading. They would tell consumers only where the animal was born, but nothing about the feed given the animal or the subsequent processing of its meat.

Instead of promoting what might be little more than a promotional tool, policy-makers should be focused on cross-border solutions. After all, U.S. and Canadian cattle markets are already highly integrated. Between 300,000 and 400,000 Canadian cattle are already in American herds. Both Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin and Chief USDA Veterinary Officer Ron DeHaven have correctly called the mad cow situation a North American problem.

The infected cow’s origin was determined relatively rapidly through extensive collaboration between U.S. and Canadian authorities. Mr. DeHaven pointed out, “From the very beginning of this investigation the cooperative efforts on both sides of the border have been tremendous.”

At the moment, meat eaters in the United States and Canada have little to fear from mad cow. Current safeguards coupled with continued vigilance and cross-border cooperation should be sufficient to keep consumers safe.