MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Possible “mad cow” case in the US.

US Department of Agriculture admitted the possible existence of a “mad cow” case, which if confirmed would be the second this year. However DoA officials said a week was necessary before Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, BSE could be confirmed.

Apparently preliminary tests in a cow proved positive, "but this does not necessarily mean the bovine has contracted BSE", said Andrea Morgan from the Animal and Plant Sanitary Inspections Office.

"Tests are designed to be extremely sensitive so that any remotely positive possibility can be easily detected", added Ms. Morgan.

The last confirmed case of BSE was eleven months ago, the first ever in the US, in Washington state involving cattle imported from Canada.

When BSE was confirmed most countries purchasing US beef banned imports, including Japan which still stands by its decision in spite of intense negotiations.

Even if this second case is confirmed, "I doubt it will influence negotiations with Tokyo since all the precautionary measures are in place. Besides it must be underlined that the beef has not entered the food chain", underlined Ms. Morgan.

DoA officials refused to reveal where the potential case of "mad cow" was detected.