US acts against 'mad cow' disease

The diseased cow is thought to have come from Canada

The US has issued a series of safeguards to protect against the spread of so-called mad cow disease.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced steps such as outlawing animal blood in livestock feed and some cattle parts in dietary supplements.

They represent the first regulations on the issue since the first US case of the disease was found on 23 December 2003 in a cow in Washington state.

Some consumer groups, however, say the measures do not go far enough.

The use of cattle remains in animal feed was banned in 1997 after it was thought that the practice helped cause an outbreak of the disease in the UK, but blood had been excluded from the ban.

"Firewalls have been in place for many years," said FDA Commissioner Mark McClellan.

"The steps we're taking today are intended to provide even greater security," he said.

Consumer fears

Mad cow disease or Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), is believed to be contracted by eating livestock feed containing cattle brains or spinal cords.

Scientists believe people can get a human variant of the disease by eating beef products infected with BSE.

There is still some concern that public health may be at risk.

"FDA needs to go further to protect public health," said Michael Hansen, senior research associate for the Consumers Union.

"We are worried that swine could be silent carriers of the disease."

The infected cow, discovered last month, was imported from Canada.

The US agriculture department is continuing its investigation into the case and is trying to track down other cows which may have been raised with the sick animal.