September 6, 2006

Engineers develop detector for mad cow, other prion diseases

Two University of Guelph engineers have received substantial research funding to continue developing a simple, inexpensive sensor for quick detection of brain-wasting infections related to mad-cow disease. University of Guelph Link

BSE-induced beef trade ban still haunts U.S. market

The U.S. beef industry probably lost from $3.2 billion to $4.7 billion during 2004 after Japan and South Korea banned imports of the product following discovery of a BSE case in the U.S. South Korea has since lifted its ban and may begin importing again this fall.
Japan lifted its ban briefly in late 2005 before reinstating it when a small quantity of banned material was found in a shipment. In June, Japan and the U.S. reached agreement to resume U.S. beef exports pending completion of a Japanese audit of American beef safety. Projections indicate that even when all imports are restored, it will take a few more years for the beef industry to return to pre-2004 market levels. Yubanet.com Link