US reports suspect 'mad cow' case

The United States has reported its first suspected case of Mad Cow Disease in Washington state.

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman said a single Holstein cow had tested "presumptive positive".

"We remain confident in the safety of our food supply," Ms Veneman told reporters - adding that she planned to serve beef on Christmas Day.

A sample from the cow has been sent to the UK for further tests to see if it had the brain-wasting illness.