Q: When were the German cattle imported into the U.S.?

Twenty-nine animals were imported legally into Texas between February 1996 and September l997. Eight others went to Colorado, one to California, one to Illinois. At the same time, two head were imported from Belgium to Minnesota.  Four of the animals in Texas have been destroyed and tested, with negative results for BSE. Three other of the imports died of causes not related to BSE, leaving 22 German-imported cattle currently in Texas. The eight in Colorado and the one animal in California also have been destroyed and tested, with negative results for BSE.

Q: When were the cattle placed under quarantine--and why?

In l997, Belgium had its first case of BSE, believed to have been the result of feeding contaminated feed. It was also determined at that time that contaminated feed was being moved throughout the European Union, and the U.S. stopped allowing the importation of cattle and meat products from the EU. All EU cattle in Texas were located, and the Texas Animal Health Commission, in cooperation with the USDA in Texas, in March l997, placed quarantines on these animals. Likewise, state veterinary officials placed quarantines on the European imports shipped to Colorado, California and Illinois.

Q: Has Germany had any cases of BSE?

According to the OIE--the Office Internationale Epizooties--in Paris, France, which keeps the reportable disease data for purposes of international trade, Germany had a BSE-positive animal in l992. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS WAS AN IMPORTED ANIMAL FROM GREAT BRITAIN. Three more animals imported to Germany were positive in l994, and two imported animals in l997. Not until November 2000 did Germany have domestic cattle affected by the disease. Forty-seven domestic animals in Germany have tested positive. Germany, like other EU countries, are testing slaughter animals for the disease.

Q: What will happen to the 21 German-imported cattle in Texas?

The animals have been held under quarantine, while the cattle industry-- spearheaded by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association -- raised funds to augment the federal indemnity of $2,000 per animal. A professional appraiser has determined the fair market value of the animals. None of the animals have shown any signs of BSE. Funding from the industry has been secured, and the animals will be euthanized. Brain tissue from each animal will be collected for testing at the National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa. The carcasses of the animals will be incinerated, and the meat will not enter the food chain.

Q: What about the offspring from these animals?

The offspring have not been restricted, as there is no evidence of vertical transmission from asymptomatic animals to calves.

Q: Are there other imported cattle in the U.S that are at risk?

Currently under quarantine are four animals from the Great Britain in Vermont, and the two from Belgium in Minnesota. No signs of BSE or positive test results have been found in any imported animals. Furthermore, all import records have been double-checked by the USDA to ensure there are no other high-risk imported animals in the U.S.

Q: Weren't there a number of animals imported from the UK?

Yes, prior to the ban on UK cattle and meat products in l989. The USDA traced 496 head of cattle from Great Britain that were imported to the US between l981 and l989. No signs of BSE or positive test results were found in these animals.

Q: What countries have been affected by BSE?

According to OIE reports:

Great Britain has had the lion's share of cases, with 174,648 cases in 34,810 herds, as of Jan. 29, 01. Of these, 60 percent were in dairy herds.

Belgium--imported and domestic animals--23 cases total.

Denmark-- 1 imported case in l992, 1 domestic in 2001.

France--264 cases--imported and domestic animals.

Italy--2 cases, imported and domestic animals.

Liechtenstein--2 domestic cases.

Luxembourg--1 domestic case.

Netherlands--9 cases, domestic.

Portugal--509 domestic and imported cases.

Spain--34 cases.

Switzerland--367 cases, domestic and imported.

 This report was Prepared by the Texas Animal Health Commission 1-800-550-8242