Delegation Supports Idaho Ag Officials In Cattle Investigation

Washington, DC - Members of Idahoâ??s Congressional Delegation expressed their confidence today in the work being done by state Department of Agriculture officials, in cooperation with producers, to ensure Idaho beef remains safe from â??mad-cowâ?? disease. Agriculture Department officials announced today that a Holstein cow from a Burley-area dairy herd originally was part of the same out-of-state dairy herd that contained a cow found to have â??mad-cowâ?? disease in Washington State. The Holstein apparently came to Idaho during a livestock sale and was traced by federal and state investigators.â??What is most important is that this animal has been located, the herd is being inventoried, and that Idahoâ??s food supply remains safe. The animal was apparently not related to the infected animal, but was in the same herd,â?? Senators Larry Craig and Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and C.L. â??Butchâ?? Otter said in a joint statement. The delegation noted the analysis process regarding the animal could take up to a week. â??It may not come as a surprise that a border state of Washington was the recipient of some members of the same dairy herd where the BSE was found. What is reassuring is that authorities are able to track and identify this single cow, which was not related by blood to the affected animal in Washington State.â??# # #