Mad Cow Disease in America

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Spread of Mad Cow Disease win real Infectious Prions win real Fast Blast Questions win real

Dr. Michael Greger, a coordinator with the Organic Consumers Association(1) and investigator Janet Skarbek, discussed Mad Cow Disease which in its human form is called CJD. Greger suggested that the disease started in cows after they consumed diseased sheep parts, which was in their feed. While Europe has outlawed the feeding of slaughterhouse waste to their livestock, it is still being done in the US, as it is cost effective for agribusiness, he noted. This is "corporate greed at the highest level," without regard for public health, commented Skarbek.
Tiny protein structures called prions, causes the illness explained Greger, and they can remain infectious even after being cooked at extremely high temperatures. The illness has a very long incubation period, where a person may not become sick until 10-20 years after being exposed, he added, noting that the riskiest products are cheap processed meats, such as those used in fast foods.
Skarbek advocated for more testing of cows for the disease such as is currently done in Japan. She also suggested writing to your Senator(2) or Congressional(3) representative to let them know how you feel on this issue. For more information, Greger recommended the book Mad Cow USA which is available as a free download.

1. http://www.organicconsumers.org/madcow.htm
2. http://www.senate.gov/
3. http://www.house.gov/

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Bumper music from Monday August 16, 2004