Friday, January 27, 2023

Horse slaughter and TSE Prion disease ?..

By Nicole Paquette


Special to the Star-Telegram


When it comes to the issue of horse slaughter, the Star-Telegram's Monday editorial got one thing right: The American people, and Texans in particular, love their horses -- but because they are trusted companions, not dinner. (See: "State horse slaughter ban needs revisiting")


American horse lovers, breeders and owners shudder at the thought of any horse of theirs ending up as a high-priced appetizer in Belgium or Japan.


The facts surrounding horse slaughter make it clear why Americans find it to be such a despicable end for horses. The process is brutal and innately inhumane. Inside the bloody, panic-stricken environment of a slaughterhouse, horses endure torture during often-repeated attempts to render them unconscious.


The USDA documented horrendous cruelty at the foreign-owned plants in Texas prior to their closure, despite the presence of federal inspectors. There's no reason to believe it won't be the same if plants reopen here.


The horse slaughter industry was never good for the economy -- it was good for the profiteers, and no one else. The foreign-owned horse slaughter plants that operated in Texas until 2007 caused nothing but controversy and problems. They employed no more than a few dozen people in low-paying, highly dangerous jobs. Profits didn't benefit local economies, but were instead pocketed overseas by foreign corporations. The communities that hosted the plants were constantly beset by pollution and the unending stench of rotten blood and offal. In their quest to improve their profit margin, these foreign-owned businesses did everything they could to avoid paying their property taxes and the fines levied against them for their environmental violations.


The negative image created by these operations caused other businesses to look elsewhere for a place to set up shop.


All of these unpleasant factors led Paula Bacon, former mayor of Kaufman (where one of the plants was located), to say, "As a community leader where we are directly impacted by the horse slaughter industry, I can assure you the economic development return to our community is negative. The foreign-owned companies profit at our expense -- it is time for them to go."


Slaughtering horses at plants in Texas never prevented the illegal acts of horse neglect and abandonment, nor has their export to plants across our borders. In the midst of today's difficult economic times, neglect and abandonment continue, though the same number of our horses are still being slaughtered. There's no single fix to the problem of homeless or neglected horses, just like there is no single fix to the pet overpopulation problem. These challenges can be solved only with a blend of wise policy solutions, rescue and sanctuary work and a large dose of personal responsibility.


For its part, the American Quarter Horse Association should stop equating the horror of the slaughter plant with "humane euthanasia." There is nothing peaceful or dignified about hauling a horse thousands of miles in terrible conditions to a harrowing death in the kill box. The horse industry should discourage the overbreeding of America's horses and relying on the cruel and predatory killer buyers to snatch up the excess. Reducing the supply of horses and focusing on improved quality are the best and most sustainable ways to give the equine industry the boost it needs.


Opinion polls are clear: The vast majority (more than 70 percent) of Americans and nearly 80 percent of Texans oppose the slaughter of horses. It is absurd to consider repealing a law that has been on the books since 1949 and has continuously been upheld in the Texas Legislature and in the courts. The majority of Texans have spoken, and it is high time we listen.


Horses are members of the family, trusted companions and partners in recreation and sport. Those few but noisy individuals clamoring for slaughter should find other ways to "help" horses, if that is their aim. Let's start by finally banning horse slaughter all across the country, by passing the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (S.1176/H.R. 2966).


Nicole G. Paquette of Austin is the Texas senior state director of the Humane Society of the United States.






???


Horse slaughter in Texas needs revisiting


Posted Sunday, Dec. 04, 2011




Americans, and Texans in particular, have long had a romance with the horse, that noble-looking animal that has served for work, sport and as a big barnyard pet.


It also once was served for food -- though the very thought of that is repulsive to some people. Until recently, that use was illegal following a 2006 maneuver by Congress to not fund federal inspections of horse meat. That congressional gimmick shut down horse slaughter houses in the United States the following year.


But things changed again recently, when Congress passed an agriculture appropriations bill that omitted the ban on USDA horse meat inspections. That means horse slaughter is legal again in the United States, except in states that have their own prohibition against it.


Texas has a 1949 law on the books that bans the possession or transport of horse meat for human consumption, a statute that was upheld by a state attorney general's ruling in 2002 and by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That means there will be no equine steaks served in this state unless legislators change the law.


That's something they should do.


Before Congress cut off funding for inspections and the 5th Circuit ruled on Texas' law, three horse slaughter plants operated in the U.S.: two were in Texas, one of them in Fort Worth. They processed meat mostly for consumption overseas.


Animal-rights advocates' efforts to save horses from slaughter apparently didn't stop the killing, even after the packing plants shut down.


A report by the Government Accountability Office showed that, since the closing of domestic slaughter houses in 2007, about the same number of American horses are being killed -- about 138,000 in 2010. The only difference is they are being transported to Mexico and Canada for slaughter.


In other words, three American businesses were forced to shut down and the work (and profit) went to foreign countries.


"From 2006 through 2010, U.S. horse exports for slaughter increased by 148 percent to Canada and 660 percent to Mexico," the GAO reported.


Since the ban, the GAO also reported, there has been a dramatic increase in reports of horse neglect, a trend expected to get even worse in this down economy. The American Quarter Horse Association had argued in 2006 that processing of unwanted horses was "a necessary aspect of the equine industry, because it provides a humane euthanasia alternative for horses that might otherwise continue a life of discomfort and pain, or inadequate care or abandonment."


Texans might not want to see this industry return to the state, insisting that eating horse flesh is sacrilege in a place where the cowboy is heralded as a heroic figure and his trusted four-legged companion is idealized.


But other states are eager for the business. Nine have passed resolutions calling for the return of horse slaughter. The Star- Telegram reported Thursday that in a few states plans are underway to retrofit facilities to handle processing of horse meat, and a former representative of the three closed Texas packing plants predicts that a plant could be operational in six months to a year.


The 1949 Texas law banning consumption of horse meat is outdated and needs to be repealed.


At the very least, the Legislature should take up the issue when it convenes in 2013 and let Texans have their say on this important -- albeit emotional -- public policy issue.






Horse Meat






I am against horse slaughter for consumption or any other purpose i.e. fertilizer, plastic, fuel, etc.


I am against the use of primates in scientific studies. because arguments will always persist on proof of human relation from any given study. However, I am for Human use in place of Primates in these studies. I said it long ago. Death Row inmates. compensate the families and do the studies on these death row inmates. it could be the last good thing they ever do. just my opinion.


For horses, they should use the same policy they use in the USA for old diseased mad cows, i.e. SSS policy. shoot, shovel, and shut up. either bury them or incinerate them. again, just my opinion.


there is no humanity anymore $$$


It brings me to the old movie. how many times do old movies come true? strange...


'soyent green'.


see ;


Soylent Green is a 1973 dystopian science fiction movie depicting a future in which overpopulation lead to depleted resources, which in turn leads to widespread unemployment and poverty. Real fruit, vegetables, and meat are rare, commodities are expensive, and much of the population survives on processed food rations, including "soylent green" wafers.


The film overlays the science fiction and police procedural genres as it depicts the efforts of New York City police detective Robert Thorn (Charlton Heston) and elderly police researcher Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson) to investigate the brutal murder of a wealthy businessman named William R. Simonson (Joseph Cotten). Thorn and Roth uncover clues which suggest that it is more than simply a bungled burglary.


snip...


After Roth dies, Thorn sneaks into the basement of the government-assisted suicide facility, where he sees corpses being loaded onto waste disposal trucks. He secretly hitches a ride on one of the trucks, which is driven to a heavily guarded waste disposal plant. Once inside the plant, Thorn sees how the corpses are processed into Soylent Green wafers. After Thorn escapes from the plant and heads for the supreme exchange with the information, he is ambushed by Fielding and several other gunmen. In the shootout, Thorn kills some of the gunmen, but is himself wounded. He retreats into a cathedral filled with homeless people. After a desperate fight, Thorn stabs and kills Fielding.


When police backup arrives, the seriously wounded and nearly hysterical Thorn confides to Hatcher the horrible secret behind Soylent Green and urges him to spread the word: "Soylent Green is people! We've got to stop them somehow!"





don’t believe me, were almost there ;




IN CONFIDENCE


SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE


CYO BSE 1 9


IN CONFIDENCE


SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE


The Parliamentary Secretary (Mr Maclean) will wish to be aware that, in making his differential diagnosis, a veterinary surgeon in the Reading area has included the possibility of BSE in a horse under his care. Although it is unlikely to be BSE, because of the symptoms exhibited the veterinarian believes that he cannot exclude the possibility. The case was brought to the notice of one of the veterinary staff at the CVL by the owner's veterinary surgeon and liaison is being maintained.


The horse in question is a five-year old eventing gelding which was purchased by the present owner about four months ago. Approximately two months after purchase the animal became a little apprehensive, developed mild nervous symptoms and became over-sensitive to noise. The nervous symptoms have increased and the horse is now practically impossible to ride. Investigations by the owner's private veterinary surgeon are continuing but it is likely that the animal will have to be destroyed.


If the horse should die or be destroyed, a full post-mortem examination will be required for insurance purposes and will probably be carried out at a non-Ministry laboratory. However, Mr Bradley of the Pathology Department, CVL, has informed the private veterinary surgeon that he is willing to provide a second opinion on the brain histology if requested.


I will keep the Parliamentary Secretary informed of any further developments in the case.


I CRAWFORD


14 May 1990


Mr M P H Hill, PS/Parliamentary secretary (Mr Maclean) - by FAX


cc:


Private Offices


Mr K C Meldrum


Mrs E A J Attridge D J Evans Mr K C Taylor Mr R Lawson Mr R Bradley. CVL


(hand written notes i cannot read all (cut short) as follows...tss)


The Parliamentary Secretary (Mr Maclean was grateful for this. He said that we must keep very close to ...on it, and when the horse dies, or is put down we must be told immediately. He also feels it is very important that our veterinary staff be involved in the brain examination. .........(cannot read the rest .............TSS)


90/05.14/10.1




Mr A Huws Principal WOAD2A CP2


SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE


You will wish to be aware that on Thursday afternoon 25 June the T/DVO Powys received a phone call from a veterinary Surgeon reporting his suspicion that a horse had ___contracted BSE after having been fed cattle cake___.


The clinical symptoms described were similar to those shown by cattle there ___being a similar case some months ago on the same premises___.


The owner' s name and address is:


Irene Thomas J Thomas & Company Riding Stables Penybryn Llangorse Brecon


The horse is a 12 year old gelding used for pony trekking.


By yesterday evening the horse was in a comatose state and on humane grounds was destroyed by the veterinary Surgeon. At his request a full post mortem and laboratory investigation will be carried out at the Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre this morning to ascertain the exact cause; I have been told this will take at least two weeks. Charges to the veterinary Surgeon have been waived in this instance.


I will inform you immediately I receive a diagnosis.


26 June 1990


D SUMMERS DRVO


cc


Mr D R Williams, RVO


Mr A R Hunter, SVIO


90/06.26/10.1






Mr A Huws Principal WOAD2A CP2


SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE


You will wish to be aware that on Thursday afternoon 25 June the T/DVO Powys received a phone call from a veterinary Surgeon reporting his suspicion that a horse had contracted BSE after having been fed cattle cake. The clinical symptoms described were similar to those shown by cattle there being a similar case some months ago on the same premises.


The owner' s name and address is:


Irene Thomas J Thomas & Company Riding Stables Penybryn Llangorse Brecon


The horse is a 12 year old gelding used for pony trekking.


By yesterday evening the horse was in a comatose state and on humane grounds was destroyed by the veterinary Surgeon. At his request a full post mortem and laboratory investigation will be carried out at the Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre this morning to ascertain the exact cause; I have been told this will take at least two weeks. Charges to the veterinary Surgeon have been waived in this instance.


I will inform you immediately I receive a diagnosis.


26 June 1990


D SUMMERS DRVO


cc


Mr D R Williams, RVO


Mr A R Hunter, SVIO


90/06.26/10.1




full text ;




Saturday, July 23, 2011


CATTLE HEADS WITH TONSILS, BEEF TONGUES, SPINAL CORD, SPECIFIED RISK MATERIALS (SRM's) AND PRIONS, AKA MAD COW DISEASE





Saturday, November 6, 2010



TAFS1 Position Paper on Position Paper on Relaxation of the Feed Ban in the EU



Berne, 2010 TAFS INTERNATIONAL FORUM FOR TRANSMISSIBLE ANIMAL DISEASES AND FOOD SAFETY a non-profit Swiss Foundation




Archive Number 20101206.4364 Published Date 06-DEC-2010 Subject PRO/AH/EDR>


Prion disease update 2010 (11) PRION DISEASE UPDATE 2010 (11)








It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.


Albert Einstein


Stupid is, as stupid does, and some times you just can’t fix stupid $$$


never say never with TSE Prions. ...


TSS

Monday, September 3, 2018

The first report of polymorphisms and genetic characteristics of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in horses

Research Paper

The first report of polymorphisms and genetic characteristics of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in horses

Yong-Chan Kim ORCID Icon & Byung-Hoon Jeong ORCID Icon Received 07 May 2018, Accepted 07 Aug 2018, Accepted author version posted online: 30 Aug 2018 Download citation https://doi.org/10.1080/19336896.2018.1513316 

 Accepted author version

ABSTRACT

Prion diseases have a wide host range, but prion-infected cases have never been reported in horses. Genetic polymorphisms that can directly impact the structural stability of horse prion protein have not been investigated thus far. In addition, we noticed that previous studies focusing on horse-specific amino acids and secondary structure predictions of prion protein were performed for limited parts of the protein. In this study, we found genetic polymorphisms in the horse prion protein gene (PRNP) in 201 Thoroughbred horses. The identified polymorphism was assessed to determine whether this polymorphism impedes stability of protein using PolyPhen-2, PROVEAN and PANTHER. In addition, we evaluated horse-specific amino acids in horse and mouse prion proteins using same methods. We found only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the horse prion protein, and three annotation tools predicted that the SNP is benign. In addition, horse-specific amino acids showed different effects on horse and mouse prion proteins, respectively. KEYWORDS. Horses, prion, PRNP, prion protein, polymorphism, single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP

Disclaimer

As a service to authors and researchers we are providing this version of an accepted manuscript (AM). Copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proofs will be undertaken on this manuscript before final publication of the Version of Record (VoR). During production and pre-press, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal relate to these versions also.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the Basic Science Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (2015R1D1A1A010599). This research was supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (2017R1A6A1A03015876). Y.C. Kim was supported by the BK21 Plus program in the Department of Bioactive Material Sciences.


IN CONFIDENCE

SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE 

 CYO BSE 1 9 

 IN CONFIDENCE 

 SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE 

 The Parliamentary Secretary (Mr Maclean) will wish to be aware that, in making his differential diagnosis, a veterinary surgeon in the Reading area has included the possibility of BSE in a horse under his care. Although it is unlikely to be BSE, because of the symptoms exhibited the veterinarian believes that he cannot exclude the possibility. The case was brought to the notice of one of the veterinary staff at the CVL by the owner's veterinary surgeon and liaison is being maintained. 

The horse in question is a five-year old eventing gelding which was purchased by the present owner about four months ago. Approximately two months after purchase the animal became a little apprehensive, developed mild nervous symptoms and became over-sensitive to noise. The nervous symptoms have increased and the horse is now practically impossible to ride. Investigations by the owner's private veterinary surgeon are continuing but it is likely that the animal will have to be destroyed. 

If the horse should die or be destroyed, a full post-mortem examination will be required for insurance purposes and will probably be carried out at a non-Ministry laboratory. However, Mr Bradley of the Pathology Department, CVL, has informed the private veterinary surgeon that he is willing to provide a second opinion on the brain histology if requested. 

I will keep the Parliamentary Secretary informed of any further developments in the case. 

I CRAWFORD 

14 May 1990 

Mr M P H Hill, PS/Parliamentary secretary (Mr Maclean) - by FAX 

cc: 

Private Offices 

Mr K C Meldrum 

Mrs E A J Attridge D J Evans Mr K C Taylor Mr R Lawson Mr R Bradley. CVL 

(hand written notes i cannot read all (cut short) as follows...tss) 

The Parliamentary Secretary (Mr Maclean was grateful for this. He said that we must keep very close to ...on it, and when the horse dies, or is put down we must be told immediately. He also feels it is very important that our veterinary staff be involved in the brain examination. .........(cannot read the rest .............TSS) 

90/05.14/10.1 


Mr A Huws Principal WOAD2A CP2 

SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE 

 You will wish to be aware that on Thursday afternoon 25 June the T/DVO Powys received a phone call from a veterinary Surgeon reporting his suspicion that a horse had ___contracted BSE after having been fed cattle cake___. 

The clinical symptoms described were similar to those shown by cattle there ___being a similar case some months ago on the same premises___. 

The owner' s name and address is: 

Irene Thomas J Thomas & Company Riding Stables Penybryn Llangorse Brecon 

The horse is a 12 year old gelding used for pony trekking. 

By yesterday evening the horse was in a comatose state and on humane grounds was destroyed by the veterinary Surgeon. At his request a full post mortem and laboratory investigation will be carried out at the Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre this morning to ascertain the exact cause; I have been told this will take at least two weeks. Charges to the veterinary Surgeon have been waived in this instance. 

I will inform you immediately I receive a diagnosis. 

26 June 1990 

D SUMMERS DRVO 

cc 

Mr D R Williams, RVO 

Mr A R Hunter, SVIO 

90/06.26/10.1 


Mr A Huws Principal WOAD2A CP2 

SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE 

You will wish to be aware that on Thursday afternoon 25 June the T/DVO Powys received a phone call from a veterinary Surgeon reporting his suspicion that a horse had contracted BSE after having been fed cattle cake. The clinical symptoms described were similar to those shown by cattle there being a similar case some months ago on the same premises. 

The owner' s name and address is: 

Irene Thomas J Thomas & Company Riding Stables Penybryn Llangorse Brecon 

The horse is a 12 year old gelding used for pony trekking. 

By yesterday evening the horse was in a comatose state and on humane grounds was destroyed by the veterinary Surgeon. At his request a full post mortem and laboratory investigation will be carried out at the Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre this morning to ascertain the exact cause; I have been told this will take at least two weeks. Charges to the veterinary Surgeon have been waived in this instance. 

I will inform you immediately I receive a diagnosis. 

26 June 1990 

D SUMMERS DRVO 

cc 

Mr D R Williams, RVO 

Mr A R Hunter, SVIO 

90/06.26/10.1 



new outbreak of TSE Prion in NEW LIVESTOCK SPECIES

mad camel disease


***> IMPORTS AND EXPORTS <***

***SEE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF BANNED ANIMAL PROTEIN AKA MAD COW FEED IN COMMERCE USA DECADES AFTER POST BAN ***

http://camelusprp.blogspot.com/2018/04/dromedary-camels-algeria-prion-mad.html

http://madcowusda.blogspot.com/2015/10/former-ag-secretary-ann-veneman-talks.html

http://madcowtesting.blogspot.com/


***>2018<***

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018 

Unexpected prion phenotypes in experimentally transfused animals: predictive models for humans?


TUESDAY, AUGUST 07, 2018 

Passage of scrapie to deer results in a new phenotype upon return passage to sheep


-----Original Message-----
From: Terry Singeltary <flounder9@verizon.net>
To: bse-l l@lists.aegee.org
>
Cc: cjdvoice <cjdvoice@yahoogroups.com>; bloodcjd <bloodcjd@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Fri, Apr 20, 2018 3:54 pm
Subject: Scrapie Transmits To Pigs By Oral Route, what about the terribly flawed USA tse prion feed ban?

Research Project: Pathobiology, Genetics, and Detection of Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies 2017 Annual Report

1a. Objectives (from AD-416): 
Objective 1: Investigate the mechanisms of protein misfolding in prion disease, including the genetic determinants of misfolding of the prion protein and the environmental influences on protein misfolding as it relates to prion diseases. Subobjective 1.A: Investigate the differences in the unfolded state of wild-type and disease associated prion proteins to better understand the mechanism of misfolding in genetic prion disease. Subobjective 1.B: Investigate the influence of metal ions on the misfolding of the prion protein in vitro to determine if environmental exposure to metal ions may alter disease progression. Objective 2: Investigate the pathobiology of prion strains in natural hosts, including the influence of prion source genotype on interspecies transmission and the pathobiology of atypical transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). Subobjective 2.A: Investigate the pathobiology of atypical TSEs. Subobjective 2.B: Investigate the influence of prion source genotype on interspecies transmission. Objective 3: Investigate sampling methodologies for antemortem detection of prion disease, including the utility of blood sampling as a means to assess prion disease status of affected animals and the utility of environmental sampling for monitoring herd prion disease status. Subobjective 3.A: Investigate the utility of blood sampling as a means to assess prion disease status of affected animals. Subobjective 3.B: Investigate the utility of environmental sampling for monitoring herd prion disease status.

1b. Approach (from AD-416): 
The studies will focus on three animal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) agents found in the United States: bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); scrapie of sheep and goats; and chronic wasting disease (CWD) of deer, elk, and moose. The research will address sites of protein folding and misfolding as it relates to prion disease, accumulation of misfolded protein in the host, routes of infection, and ante mortem diagnostics with an emphasis on controlled conditions and natural routes of infection. Techniques used will include spectroscopic monitoring of protein folding/misfolding, clinical exams, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical analysis of proteins. The enhanced knowledge gained from this work will help understand the underlying mechanisms of prion disease and mitigate the potential for unrecognized epidemic expansions of these diseases in populations of animals that could either directly or indirectly affect food animals.

3. Progress Report: 
All 8 project plan milestones for FY17 were fully met. Research efforts directed toward meeting objective 1 of our project plan center around the production of recombinant prion protein from either bacteria or mammalian tissue culture systems and collection of thermodynamic data on the folding of the recombinant prion protein produced. Both bacterial and mammalian expression systems have been established. Thermodynamic data addressing the denatured state of wild-type and a disease associated variant of bovine prion protein has been collected and a manuscript is in preparation. In research pertaining to objective 2, all studies have been initiated and animals are under observation for the development of clinical signs. The animal studies for this objective are long term and will continue until onset of clinical signs. In vitro studies planned in parallel to the animals studies have similarly been initiated and are ongoing. Objective 3 of the project plan focuses on the detection of disease associated prion protein in body fluids and feces collected from a time course study of chronic wasting disease inoculated animals. At this time samples are being collected as planned and methods for analysis are under development.

4. Accomplishments 
1. Showed that swine are potential hosts for the scrapie agent. A naturally occurring prion disease has not been recognized in swine, but the agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy does transmit to swine by experimental routes. Swine are thought to have a robust species barrier when exposed to the naturally occurring prion diseases of other species, but the susceptibility of swine to the agent of sheep scrapie has not been thoroughly tested. ARS researchers at Ames, Iowa conducted this experiment to test the susceptibility of swine to U.S. scrapie isolates by intracranial and oral inoculation. Necropsies were done on a subset of animals at approximately 6 months post inoculation (PI): the time the pigs were expected to reach market weight. Remaining pigs were maintained and monitored for clinical signs of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) until study termination at 80 months PI or when removed due to intercurrent disease. Brain samples were examined by multiple diagnostic approaches, and for a subset of pigs in each inoculation group, bioassay in mice expressing porcine prion protein. At 6 months PI, no evidence of scrapie infection was noted by any diagnostic method. However, at 51 months of incubation or greater, 5 animals were positive by one or more diagnostic methods. Furthermore, positive bioassay results were obtained from all inoculated groups (oral and intracranial; market weight and end of study) suggesting that swine are potential hosts for the agent of scrapie. Although the current U.S. feed ban is based on keeping tissues from TSE infected cattle from contaminating animal feed, swine rations in the U.S. could contain animal derived components including materials from scrapie infected sheep and goats. These results indicating the susceptibility of pigs to sheep scrapie, coupled with the limitations of the current feed ban, indicates that a revision of the feed ban may be necessary to protect swine production and potentially human health.
2. Determined that pigs naturally exposed to chronic wasting disease (CWD) may act as a reservoir of CWD infectivity. Chronic wasting disease is a naturally occurring, fatal, neurodegenerative disease of cervids. The potential for swine to serve as a host for the agent of CWD disease is unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate the susceptibility of swine to the CWD agent following experimental oral or intracranial inoculation. Pigs were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: intracranially inoculated; orally inoculated; or non-inoculated. At market weight age, half of the pigs in each group were tested ('market weight' groups). The remaining pigs ('aged' groups) were allowed to incubate for up to 73 months post inoculation (MPI). Tissues collected at necropsy were examined for disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) by multiple diagnostic methods. Brain samples from selected pigs were bioassayed in mice expressing porcine prion protein. Some pigs from each inoculated group were positive by one or more tests. Bioassay was positive in 4 out of 5 pigs assayed. Although only small amounts of PrPSc were detected using sensitive methods, this study demonstrates that pigs can serve as hosts for CWD. Detection of infectivity in orally inoculated pigs using mouse bioassay raises the possibility that naturally exposed pigs could act as a reservoir of CWD infectivity. Currently, swine rations in the U.S. could contain animal derived components including materials from deer or elk. In addition, feral swine could be exposed to infected carcasses in areas where CWD is present in wildlife populations. The current feed ban in the U.S. is based exclusively on keeping tissues from TSE infected cattle from entering animal feeds. These results indicating the susceptibility of pigs to CWD, coupled with the limitations of the current feed ban, indicates that a revision of the feed ban may be necessary to protect swine production and potentially human health.
3. Developed a method for amplification and discrimination of the 3 forms of BSE in cattle. The prion protein (PrP) is a protein that is the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The disease process involves conversion of the normal cellular PrP to a pathogenic misfolded conformation. This conversion process can be recreated in the lab using a misfolding amplification process known as real-time quaking induced conversion (RT-QuIC). RT-QuIC allows the detection of minute amounts of the abnormal infectious form of the prion protein by inducing misfolding in a supplied substrate. Although RT-QuIC has been successfully used to detect pathogenic PrP with substrates from a variety of host species, prior to this work bovine prion protein had not been proven for its practical uses for RT-QuIC. We demonstrated that prions from transmissible mink encephalopathy (TME) and BSE-infected cattle can be detected with using bovine prion proteins with RT-QuIC, and developed an RT-QuIC based approach to discriminate different forms of BSE. This rapid and robust method, both to detect and discriminate BSE types, is of importance as the economic implications for different types of BSE vary greatly.
Moore, S., Kunkle, R., Greenlee, M., Nicholson, E., Richt, J., Hamir, A., Waters, W., Greenlee, J. 2016. Horizontal transmission of chronic wasting disease in reindeer. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 22(12):2142-2145. doi:10.3201/eid2212.160635.
Moore, S.J., West Greenlee, M.H., Smith, J.D., Vrentas, C.E., Nicholson, E.M., Greenlee, J.J. 2016. A comparison of classical and H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy associated with E211K prion protein polymorphism in wild type and EK211 cattle following intracranial inoculation. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 3:78.
Greenlee, J.J., Kunkle, R.A., Smith, J.D., West Greenlee, M.H. 2016. Scrapie in swine: a diagnostic challenge. Food Safety. 4(4):110-114.
Kondru, N., Manne, S., Greenlee, J., West Greenlee, H., Anantharam, V., Halbur, P., Kanthasamy, A., Kanthasamy, A. 2017. Integrated organotypic slice cultures and RT-QuIC (OSCAR) assay: implications for translational discovery in protein misfolding diseases. Scientific Reports. 7:43155. doi:10.1038/srep43155.
Mammadova, N., Ghaisas, S., Zenitsky, G., Sakaguchi, D.S., Kanthasamy, A.G., Greenlee, J.J., West Greenlee, M.H. 2017. Lasting retinal injury in a mouse model of blast-induced trauma. American Journal of Pathology. 187(7):1459-1472. doi:10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.03.005.




***> However, at 51 months of incubation or greater, 5 animals were positive by one or more diagnostic methods. Furthermore, positive bioassay results were obtained from all inoculated groups (oral and intracranial; market weight and end of study) suggesting that swine are potential hosts for the agent of scrapie. <***



>*** Although the current U.S. feed ban is based on keeping tissues from TSE infected cattle from contaminating animal feed, swine rations in the U.S. could contain animal derived components including materials from scrapie infected sheep and goats. These results indicating the susceptibility of pigs to sheep scrapie, coupled with the limitations of the current feed ban, indicates that a revision of the feed ban may be necessary to protect swine production and potentially human health. <***


THE Aug. 1997 mad cow feed ban was/is a joke, BSE surveillance also was proven to be terribly flawed, along with BSE testing, shown to be flawed as well. 

ALSO, WHAT ABOUT CWD TRANSMITTING TO PIGS AS WELL, AND MAD CAMEL DISEASE NOW, BIG OUTBREAK, NOT SPONTANEOUS, WHAT ABOUT THAT, and the feed ban concern there as well? AND what about Scrapie transmission to the Macaque recently. seems the tse prion poker continue to goes up. very worrying...terry

please see these facts below...thank you///


***> CWD TO PIGS <***

Research Project: TRANSMISSION, DIFFERENTIATION, AND PATHOBIOLOGY OF TRANSMISSIBLE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHIES

Location: Virus and Prion Research

Title: Disease-associated prion protein detected in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged with the agent of chronic wasting disease

Author item Moore, Sarah item Kunkle, Robert item Kondru, Naveen item Manne, Sireesha item Smith, Jodi item Kanthasamy, Anumantha item West Greenlee, M item Greenlee, Justin

Submitted to: Prion Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2017 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Aims: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a naturally-occurring, fatal neurodegenerative disease of cervids. We previously demonstrated that disease-associated prion protein (PrPSc) can be detected in the brain and retina from pigs challenged intracranially or orally with the CWD agent. In that study, neurological signs consistent with prion disease were observed only in one pig: an intracranially challenged pig that was euthanized at 64 months post-challenge. The purpose of this study was to use an antigen-capture immunoassay (EIA) and real-time quaking-induced conversion (QuIC) to determine whether PrPSc is present in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged with the CWD agent.

Methods: At two months of age, crossbred pigs were challenged by the intracranial route (n=20), oral route (n=19), or were left unchallenged (n=9). At approximately 6 months of age, the time at which commercial pigs reach market weight, half of the pigs in each group were culled (<6 challenge="" groups="" month="" pigs="" remaining="" the="">6 month challenge groups) were allowed to incubate for up to 73 months post challenge (mpc). The retropharyngeal lymph node (RPLN) was screened for the presence of PrPSc by EIA and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The RPLN, palatine tonsil, and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) from 6-7 pigs per challenge group were also tested using EIA and QuIC.

Results: PrPSc was not detected by EIA and IHC in any RPLNs. All tonsils and MLNs were negative by IHC, though the MLN from one pig in the oral <6 5="" 6="" at="" by="" detected="" eia.="" examined="" group="" in="" intracranial="" least="" lymphoid="" month="" months="" of="" one="" pigs="" positive="" prpsc="" quic="" the="" tissues="" was="">6 months group, 5/6 pigs in the oral <6 4="" and="" group="" months="" oral="">6 months group. Overall, the MLN was positive in 14/19 (74%) of samples examined, the RPLN in 8/18 (44%), and the tonsil in 10/25 (40%). Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that PrPSc accumulates in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged intracranially or orally with the CWD agent, and can be detected as early as 4 months after challenge.

CWD-infected pigs rarely develop clinical disease and if they do, they do so after a long incubation period. This raises the possibility that CWD-infected pigs could shed prions into their environment long before they develop clinical disease.

Furthermore, lymphoid tissues from CWD-infected pigs could present a potential source of CWD infectivity in the animal and human food chains.


CONFIDENTIAL

EXPERIMENTAL PORCINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY

While this clearly is a cause for concern we should not jump to the conclusion that this means that pigs will necessarily be infected by bone and meat meal fed by the oral route as is the case with cattle. ...


we cannot rule out the possibility that unrecognised subclinical spongiform encephalopathy could be present in British pigs though there is no evidence for this: only with parenteral/implantable pharmaceuticals/devices is the theoretical risk to humans of sufficient concern to consider any action.

 
Our records show that while some use is made of porcine materials in medicinal products, the only products which would appear to be in a hypothetically ''higher risk'' area are the adrenocorticotrophic hormone for which the source material comes from outside the United Kingdom, namely America China Sweden France and Germany. The products are manufactured by Ferring and Armour. A further product, ''Zenoderm Corium implant'' manufactured by Ethicon, makes use of porcine skin - which is not considered to be a ''high risk'' tissue, but one of its uses is described in the data sheet as ''in dural replacement''. This product is sourced from the United Kingdom.....


snip...see much more here ;

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 05, 2017

Disease-associated prion protein detected in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged with the agent of chronic wasting disease


WEDNESDAY, APRIL 05, 2017

*** Disease-associated prion protein detected in lymphoid tissues from pigs challenged with the agent of chronic wasting disease ***


WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2018 

CONFIDENTIAL IN CONFIDENCE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY OF PIGS FDA EMERGENCY REQUEST FOR RULE CHANGE USA Section 21 C.F.R. 589.2000


TUESDAY, JULY 10, 2018
 
CONFIDENTIAL IN CONFIDENCE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY OF PIGS
 
*** ''but feeding of other ruminant protein, including scrapie-infected sheep, can continue to pigs.''
 
CONFIDENTIAL SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY OF PIGS
 

THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2017 

USDA OIE Alabama Atypical L-type BASE Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy BSE animal feeds for ruminants rule, 21 CFR 589.200


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29, 2018 

USDA Announces Atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Detection USDA 08/29/2018 10:00 AM EDT





WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2018 

The agent of H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy associated with E211K prion protein polymorphism transmits after oronasal challenge



Terry S. Singeltary Sr.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Beef: Horse Meat January 2013 Lord Hansard U.K. follow up horse DNA found in some burgers

Beef: Horse Meat January 2013 Lord Hansard U.K. follow up horse DNA found in some burgers
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beef: Horse Meat



Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether inspections by the UK Food Safety and Food Standards Authorities routinely involve DNA testing to identify the contamination of foodstuffs. [138441]



Anna Soubry[holding answer 21 January 2013]: The analysis of food products using DNA-based methodology is an established technique and used routinely by United Kingdom official control laboratories and commercial laboratories. These tests are used most often to determine fish species in food products, and presence of genetically modified organisms. Six UK official control laboratories are able to analyse meat to determine whether it contains horse DNA using DNA-based methodology.



The DNA analysis method is only one of the analytical methods available to determine whether substitution of meat has taken place. Other analytical methods include ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immuno-absorbent Assays) testing kits that match proteins present in a food product with proteins present in known meat species.



Each year, local authorities carry out a substantial amount of sampling of meat identification to ensure that the meat species in meat products match the expectations of the label description. In 2012, at least 796 samples were tested for meat identification (testing for other meat species in meat products) as part of local authority risk-based sampling programmes. While some of the samples were found unsatisfactory, none had been tested for presence of horse meat.



Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he was informed about the sale of beef burgers on sale in Britain which were possibly contaminated with horse and pork meat; and what steps he has taken in response to this information. [138442]



Anna Soubry[holding answer 21 January 2013]: The Food Standards Agency (FSA) was notified by Food Safety Authority Ireland on 14 January that they were proposing to report on the analysis carried out into a number of meat products; including beef burgers, which revealed that some contained horse and pig DNA.



The FSA has launched an urgent investigation into this issue and are working closely with the Department for Environment; Food and Rural Affairs on this. A four-point plan has been published on the FSA website at:





Mr Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he plans to take against those retailers who have sold inaccurately labelled meat products. [138473]



Anna Soubry[holding answer 21 January 2013]: The food businesses which the Food Safety Authority Ireland survey named as having sold inaccurately labelled products, are under investigation by local authority officers who are responsible for enforcing food composition and safety legislation. These investigations may lead to formal action.










16 January 2013



FSA investigation into horse DNA found in some burgers



The Food Standards Agency is investigating urgently how a number of beef products on sale in the UK and Republic of Ireland came to contain some traces of horse and pig DNA.


The Food Safety Authority of Ireland reported yesterday (Tuesday, 15 January) that an analysis they carried out into the authenticity, or labelling accuracy, of a number of burger products revealed that some contained horse and pig DNA.


In particular, 27 beefburger products were analysed, with 10 of the 27 products (37%) testing positive for horse DNA and 23 (85%) testing positive for pig DNA. In nine of the ten beefburger samples, horse DNA was found at very low levels. In one sample from Tesco, the level of horse DNA indicated that horse meat was present and accounted for approximately 29% of the total meat content of the burger.


All of the retailers involved so far have removed potentially affected products from their shelves.


The FSA has been in contact overnight with the retailers and producers named in the FSAI survey and has called a meeting this afternoon with a wider range of food industry representatives to discover the extent of the potential problem and to investigate how this contamination might have occurred.











Thursday, January 5, 2012


Horse Meat, slaughter for consumption USA




snip...




Greetings,


for what it’s worth.


I am against horse slaughter for consumption or any other purpose i.e. fertilizer, plastic, fuel, etc.


I am against the use of primates in scientific studies. because arguments will always persist on proof of human relation from any given study. However, I am for Human use in place of Primates in these studies. I said it long ago. Death Row inmates. compensate the families and do the studies on these death row inmates. it could be the last good thing they ever do. just my opinion.


For horses, they should use the same policy they use in the USA for old diseased mad cows, i.e. SSS policy. shoot, shovel, and shut up. either bury them or incinerate them. again, just my opinion.


there is no humanity anymore $$$


It brings me to the old movie. how many times do old movies come true? strange...




'soyent green'.


see ;


Soylent Green is a 1973 dystopian science fiction movie depicting a future in which overpopulation lead to depleted resources, which in turn leads to widespread unemployment and poverty. Real fruit, vegetables, and meat are rare, commodities are expensive, and much of the population survives on processed food rations, including "soylent green" wafers.


The film overlays the science fiction and police procedural genres as it depicts the efforts of New York City police detective Robert Thorn (Charlton Heston) and elderly police researcher Sol Roth (Edward G. Robinson) to investigate the brutal murder of a wealthy businessman named William R. Simonson (Joseph Cotten). Thorn and Roth uncover clues which suggest that it is more than simply a bungled burglary.


snip...


After Roth dies, Thorn sneaks into the basement of the government-assisted suicide facility, where he sees corpses being loaded onto waste disposal trucks. He secretly hitches a ride on one of the trucks, which is driven to a heavily guarded waste disposal plant. Once inside the plant, Thorn sees how the corpses are processed into Soylent Green wafers. After Thorn escapes from the plant and heads for the supreme exchange with the information, he is ambushed by Fielding and several other gunmen. In the shootout, Thorn kills some of the gunmen, but is himself wounded. He retreats into a cathedral filled with homeless people. After a desperate fight, Thorn stabs and kills Fielding.


When police backup arrives, the seriously wounded and nearly hysterical Thorn confides to Hatcher the horrible secret behind Soylent Green and urges him to spread the word: "Soylent Green is people! We've got to stop them somehow!"






don’t believe me, were almost there ;







IN CONFIDENCE



SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE



CYO BSE 1 9



IN CONFIDENCE



SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE



The Parliamentary Secretary (Mr Maclean) will wish to be aware that, in making his differential diagnosis, a veterinary surgeon in the Reading area has included the possibility of BSE in a horse under his care. Although it is unlikely to be BSE, because of the symptoms exhibited the veterinarian believes that he cannot exclude the possibility. The case was brought to the notice of one of the veterinary staff at the CVL by the owner's veterinary surgeon and liaison is being maintained.


The horse in question is a five-year old eventing gelding which was purchased by the present owner about four months ago. Approximately two months after purchase the animal became a little apprehensive, developed mild nervous symptoms and became over-sensitive to noise. The nervous symptoms have increased and the horse is now practically impossible to ride. Investigations by the owner's private veterinary surgeon are continuing but it is likely that the animal will have to be destroyed.


If the horse should die or be destroyed, a full post-mortem examination will be required for insurance purposes and will probably be carried out at a non-Ministry laboratory. However, Mr Bradley of the Pathology Department, CVL, has informed the private veterinary surgeon that he is willing to provide a second opinion on the brain histology if requested.


I will keep the Parliamentary Secretary informed of any further developments in the case.


I CRAWFORD


14 May 1990


Mr M P H Hill, PS/Parliamentary secretary (Mr Maclean) - by FAX


cc:


Private Offices


Mr K C Meldrum


Mrs E A J Attridge D J Evans Mr K C Taylor Mr R Lawson Mr R Bradley. CVL


(hand written notes i cannot read all (cut short) as follows...tss)


The Parliamentary Secretary (Mr Maclean was grateful for this. He said that we must keep very close to ...on it, and when the horse dies, or is put down we must be told immediately. He also feels it is very important that our veterinary staff be involved in the brain examination. .........(cannot read the rest .............TSS)


90/05.14/10.1










Mr A Huws Principal WOAD2A CP2




SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE



You will wish to be aware that on Thursday afternoon 25 June the T/DVO Powys received a phone call from a veterinary Surgeon reporting his suspicion that a horse had ___contracted BSE after having been fed cattle cake___.


The clinical symptoms described were similar to those shown by cattle there ___being a similar case some months ago on the same premises___.


The owner' s name and address is:


Irene Thomas J Thomas & Company Riding Stables Penybryn Llangorse Brecon


The horse is a 12 year old gelding used for pony trekking.


By yesterday evening the horse was in a comatose state and on humane grounds was destroyed by the veterinary Surgeon. At his request a full post mortem and laboratory investigation will be carried out at the Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre this morning to ascertain the exact cause; I have been told this will take at least two weeks. Charges to the veterinary Surgeon have been waived in this instance.


I will inform you immediately I receive a diagnosis.


26 June 1990


D SUMMERS DRVO


cc


Mr D R Williams, RVO


Mr A R Hunter, SVIO


90/06.26/10.1









Mr A Huws Principal WOAD2A CP2




SUSPECT BSE IN A HORSE




You will wish to be aware that on Thursday afternoon 25 June the T/DVO Powys received a phone call from a veterinary Surgeon reporting his suspicion that a horse had contracted BSE after having been fed cattle cake. The clinical symptoms described were similar to those shown by cattle there being a similar case some months ago on the same premises.


The owner' s name and address is:


Irene Thomas J Thomas & Company Riding Stables Penybryn Llangorse Brecon


The horse is a 12 year old gelding used for pony trekking.


By yesterday evening the horse was in a comatose state and on humane grounds was destroyed by the veterinary Surgeon. At his request a full post mortem and laboratory investigation will be carried out at the Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Centre this morning to ascertain the exact cause; I have been told this will take at least two weeks. Charges to the veterinary Surgeon have been waived in this instance.


I will inform you immediately I receive a diagnosis.


26 June 1990


D SUMMERS DRVO


cc


Mr D R Williams, RVO


Mr A R Hunter, SVIO


90/06.26/10.1








full text ;










Thursday, January 17, 2013




FSA notified of two breaches of BSE testing regulations 14 January 2013











we know that horses, especially quarter horses and show horses are fed feed with high animal protein content, and it’s perfectly legal.




see ;




Nonprohibited Materials:





These feed materials CAN be fed to ruminants.


A. The following protein products derived from mammals, including ruminants, are exempt from the Ruminant Feed Ban rule and CAN be fed to ruminants:


Blood and blood products


Milk products (milk and milk protein)


Pure porcine (pork) protein


Pure equine (horse) protein


Gelatin Inspected meat products, such as plate waste, which have been cooked and offered for human food and further heat processed for animal feed.


snip... see full text ;








From: TSS


Subject: MAD COW/HORSE FEED BAN VIOLATIONS WARNING LETTER July 20, 2001 USA


Date: August 14, 2001 at 11:36 am PST


DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE


July 20, 2001


CERTIFIED MAIL RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED


WARNING LETTER Ref. KAN 2001-028


Mr. Eric N. Blomkuist, CEO Farnam Companies, Inc. 301 W. Osborn P.O. Box 34820 Phoenix, AZ 85013


Dear Mr. Blomkuist:


An inspection of your Council Bluffs, Iowa facility that serves as a manufacturing/repackaging site for animal feed and as a distribution operation for animal drugs and feeds conducted on June 13-20, 2001 by an Investigator representing this office found significant deviations from the requirements set forth in Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 589.2000 - Animal Proteins Prohibited in Ruminant Feed. This regulation is intended to prevent the establishment and amplification of Bovine Spongiform Encephalophathy (BSE) within the borders of the United States. Such deviations cause products being manufactured and/or distributed by your facility to be adulterated within the meaning of Section 402(a)(4) and misbranded within the meaning of Section 403(F) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act).


The inspection revealed the following:


There are no written procedures demonstrating the clean-out process used to prevent the cross- contamination of product. Your firm uses common equipment for product manufactured with prohibited material and for feed and/or drugs that are not.


Your firm distributes products that may contain prohibited material, specifically Flex Free, Equinyl, Generation and Max Flex, that are not labeled with the required cautionary statement "Do Not Feed to Cattle or Other Ruminants"


The above is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of violations. As a manufacturer of products intended for animal feed use you are responsible for assuring that your overall operation and the products you manufacture and distribute are in compliance with the law. At the conclusion of the inspection Form FDA483, List of Inspectional Observations was issued to Ronald G. Adler, Plant Manager identifying these and other deviations. A copy is enclosed for your information.


Our Investigator reported a telephone discussion with Mr. Barry G. Harrison who identified himself as the Corporate Counsel of the Farnam Companies, Inc. During this discussion Mr. Harrison, reportedly, claimed the products in question are exempt from the cautionary statement requirement. This claimed exemption is based on the fact the products are intended only for the equine market and your firm defines horses as pets. We cannot accept this claimed exemption because while some horses may be held as pets, horses are also working animals and in some parts of North America, food animals.


Based on our knowledge of working ranches, horse feed is often stored in the same general area as ruminant feed making a conspicuous cautionary statenmit vital on feeds and supplements, containing prohibited materials.


You should take prompt action to correct the above violations and to establish procedures whereby such violations do not recur. Failure to make immediate and lasting corrections may result in regulatory actions without further notice including but not limiting to product seizure and/or injunction.


You should respond, in writing, Within 15 working days of the steps you have taken to bring your firm into compliance with the law. Please include all the steps you plan to take, the timeframe for completing these actions and any documentation demonstrating the action's completion.


Your response should be directed to Ralph J. Gray, Compliance Officer at the above address.


Sincerely, Charles W. Sedgwick District Director Kansas City District Office


Cc: Mr. John C. Williams CEO, Manufacturing and Distribution Farnam Companies, Inc, 1302 Law Ross Road Council Bluffs, IA 51501









Subject: Re: MAD COW/HORSE FEED BAN VIOLATIONS WARNING LETTER July 20, 2001


Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2001 23:43:26 –0400


From: "Robert A. LaBudde"


Reply-To: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy


To: BSE-L@uni-karlsruhe.de


######## Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy #########


At 01:41 PM 8/14/01 -0700,


Terry wrote:


>DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE


> >July 20, 2001


> >Our Investigator reported a telephone discussion with Mr. Barry G.


>Harrison who identified himself as the Corporate Counsel of the Farnam


>Companies, Inc. During this discussion Mr. Harrison, reportedly, claimed


>the products in question are exempt from the cautionary statement


>requirement. This claimed exemption is based on the fact the products


>are intended only for the equine market and your firm defines horses as


>pets. We cannot accept this claimed exemption because while some horses


>may be held as pets, horses are also working animals and in some parts


>of North America, food animals.


> >Based on our knowledge of working ranches, horse feed is often stored in


>the same general area as ruminant feed making a conspicuous cautionary


>statenmit vital on feeds and supplements,


>containing prohibited materials.




Terry:


Perhaps you should pester FDA about this "loophole". Apparently, "pet food" does not have to bear the warning labels specified for food animals.


I can't see any serious objection to expanding the label requirement to ALL animal food, not just food animals.


Also, horses are "ruminants", so it's disturbing that they might escape the feed ban by being classified as "pets". Another good reason to extend the warning labels and regulation to all animal foods.


Perhaps you could submit a request for ruling to the FDA on this issue to propose amending the regulation to include all animal foods, including pet foods.




================================================================


Robert A. LaBudde, PhD, PAS, Dpl. ACAFS e-mail: ral@lcfltd.com Least Cost Formulations, Ltd. URL: http://lcfltd.com/ 824 Timberlake Drive Tel: 757-467-0954 Virginia Beach, VA 23464-3239 Fax: 757-467-2947


"Vere scire est per causas scire"




================================================================




Subject: Re: Horses & ruminants


Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 12:41:29 +0200


From: Roland Heynkes


Reply-To: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy


To: BSE-L@uni-karlsruhe.de


######## Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy #########


Dear Robert and Oz,


>> Also, horses are "ruminants", so it's disturbing that they


>> might escape the feed ban by being classified as "pets".


>> Another good reason to >extend the warning labels and


>> regulation to all animal foods.


> > Just a note that horses are NOT ruminants, as I am sure


> robert knows from the quotes.


> They are however herbivores.


> It's also worth noting problems with x-infection found


> in the EU.


> although horses are not ruminants, it is of course a very poor idea to exclude them from a feed ban. Unfortunately exactly this is the case even in Germany, where horses are still excluded from the ban, if they are not intended to become human food. As Oz mentioned, this opens an absolutely unnecessary possibility for cross contaminations. Of course I repeatedly informed the involved German politicians and authorities about this problem, but they are not interested.


This perfectly fits to the fact, that most German authorities are still not prepared to inform the public about the German BSE cases. If you are interested in some information about this cases, you have to visit private Internet sites. Instead most German authorities provide the public with down playing statements and links to meat industry and marketing agencies. Links to sites with scientific information about TSE safety problems are not allowed on this official sites. Official sites with useful information comparable with those that we all know from the UK, are not wanted in Germany.


This also perfectly fits to the fact, that it is at least in Germany well known since 5 days for those who are interested in such information, that Dr. Margit Herbst won the Whistleblower-Prize. You may be not surprised to learn, that this prize is from a scientific association, not from politics. She gets it, because she lost her job, just because she informed the public about the fact that her superiors were not prepared to run the necessary pathological examinations with more than 20 cattle, that she had found to show BSE symptoms between 1990 and 1994 in just one German abattoir. At that time this was the political signal for all German vets not to find any German BSE cases. And as you know, the Bavarian vets were not prepared to let my speak about German BSE risks even in May 2001.


I was interested to see, if any of the German members of this list would forward this good news about Dr. Margrit Herbst. In my opinion it is absolutely typical that this was not the case and that again I had to do this.


By the way, studying the British BSE statistics I found that the risk to become infected, was sharply declining from birth to the age of about 6 months and that for a given period of time the risk of infection was about 5-times as high for a calf in comparison to adult animals. It is therefore clear, that many cattle became infected only as adults. The detailed analysis will be on my site until the end of this week.


kind regards


Roland







Subject: Re: MAD COW/HORSE FEED BAN VIOLATIONS WARNING LETTER


July 20, 200 1 Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 13:52:58 –0400


From: "Cook, Nancy" Reply-To: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy





######## Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy #########


Robert, just wanted to comment on your request that the "Do not feed to Cattle or other Ruminants" statement be placed on all animal feeds. In 1997, we undertook a broad, five city survey to determine what effect that statement might have in the marketplace if it occurred on pet food labels.


Overwhelmingly, and in all locations, an immediate and severe effect was projected, not only into pet food, but into the Meat Counter as well, as people struggled with the idea that "if it's not good for ruminants (whatever they are?), why should I feed it to my pets, and oh, by the way, why should I eat beef at all if it's a problem?"


The Office of Management and Budget agreed with our findings and advised FDA that the labeling was not needed on pet food for retail sale or for laboratory animal feed. However, salvage products are required to bear the statement, since those products are often used for swine feed.


In most states, pets are classified as dogs and cats. Specialty pets are other caged and "aquariumed" critters. Horses and rabbits are classified as livestock.


Hope this is helpful.




Nancy K. Cook Pet Food Institute 2025 M Street, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 202-367-1120 202-367-2120 (fax)






Subject: Re: MAD COW/HORSE FEED BAN VIOLATIONS WARNING LETTER July 20, 2001


Date: Fri, 17 Aug 2001 14:37:50 –0700


From: "Terry S. Singeltary Sr."


Reply-To: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy


To: BSE-L@uni-karlsruhe.de References: 1


######## Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy #########


Greetings again List Members,


here is a bit of what was thought of pet foods and TSEs in the early days of the BSE Inquiry;


What is meat and other material from scrapie-infected sheep used for - does it include pet food and material for biological products?


Pet Food


As initial preclinical multiplication of the agent takes place in the spleen and other parts of the lympho-reticular system (LRS) there is obviously the possibility that scrapie infected material is used for pet food in addition to material from clinically affected sheep. Sheep spleens are used exclusively for pet foods and processed sheep heads are undoubtedly included.


Commercial canned pet food is subject to heat treatment. The following treatments are employed by . . .


[A table has been deleted here for commercial-in-confidence reasons.]




snip...









HISTORY F.O.I.A.




Saturday, August 29, 2009


FOIA REQUEST FEED RECALL 2009 Product may have contained prohibited materials Bulk Whole Barley, Recall # V-256-2009







Thursday, September 3, 2009


429,128 lbs. feed for ruminant animals may have been contaminated with prohibited material Recall # V-258-2009







Friday, September 4, 2009


FOIA REQUEST ON FEED RECALL PRODUCT 429,128 lbs. feed for ruminant animals may have been contaminated with prohibited material Recall # V-258-2009








Tuesday, November 3, 2009


re-FOIA REQUEST ON FEED RECALL PRODUCT contaminated with prohibited material Recall # V-258-2009 and Recall # V-256-2009








From: Terry S. Singeltary Sr. To: CVMHomeP@cvm.fda.gov Cc: FOIASTAFF@oig.usda.gov ; paffairs@oig.hhs.gov ; HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov ; phyllis.fong@oig.usda.gov


FOIA REQUEST ON FEED RECALL PRODUCT 429,128 lbs. feed for ruminant animals may have been contaminated with prohibited material Recall # V-258-2009


September 4, 2009


TO:


Food and Drug Administration


Division of Freedom of Information (HFI-35)


Office of Shared Services


Office of Public Information and Library Services


5600 Fishers Lane


Rockville, MD 20857


Or requests may be sent via fax to: fax number 301-443-1726 or 301-443-1719. If experience difficulty sending a fax, please call (301) 443-2414.


FROM:


Terry S. Singeltary Sr.


P.O. Box 42


Bacliff, Texas USA 77518


Greetings FDA FOIE, and the Honorable Phyllis Fong et al @ OIG FOIA,


ANOTHER FOIA REQUEST PLEASE !


PLEASE SEE FULL TEXT ;


Canine Spongiform Encephalopathy CSE TSE


>>> Is anybody even looking at the dogs..especially with CWD now so widespread? <<<


NA, na, na........they know what they will find, Canine Spongiform Encephalopathy, and it was documented, but then they decided not to push the issue anymore, they had enough mad cow disease in different species to deal with. so they screwed the brains up with dogs and deer in the UK. then we took a page or two from the UKs testing protocols and USDA screwed the brains up with cattle, again, and again, and again. then played the stupid card. ya can't fix stupid. ... TSS


Monday, March 8, 2010


Canine Spongiform Encephalopathy aka MAD DOG DISEASE


Greetings,


Another Big Myth about Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy, is that TSE will not transmit to dogs. This is simply NOT TRUE. IT is perfectly legal to feed dogs and cats here in the USA bovine meat and bone meal. Canine dementia is real. how many dogs and cats here in the USA are tested for mad cow disease ? I just received this F.O.I.A. request, and thought I would post it here with a follow up on MAD DOG DISEASE. This is a follow up with additional data I just received on a FOIA request in 2009 ;



see full text, and be sure to read the BSE Inquiry documents toward the bottom ;








Monday, March 8, 2010


UPDATE 429,128 lbs. feed for ruminant animals may have been contaminated with prohibited material Recall # V-258-2009









Monday, March 1, 2010


ANIMAL PROTEIN I.E. MAD COW FEED IN COMMERCE A REVIEW 2010








18. As it will probably be some months before the answer to No. 17 is known, what steps if any would it be prudent to take in the meantime in clinically affected animals covering a) meat, offal and meat products for human consumption, b) milk, c) material used in the preparation of biologicals and d) pet food?


snip...


Given the difficulties in abattoirs of identifying parts of a given carcass it may be prudent to condemn, for any use, the whole carcass of affected animals. This would seem to be politic given the possible fears from the public of the risk of consuming products from affected animals and therefore unfairly bring all animal products into disrepute.







6. Might there be a human risk from other animals, eg domestic pets?


If scrapie-infected sheep offal is the source of infection for cows, and similar material has gone into pet food, what is the chance of dogs/cats also being infected? Even if they do not show symptoms of disease (say because the incubation period is longer than the natural life span) might they still be infectious? Would there be any chance of transmission to humans through scratches or bites?






snip...see more here;





Thursday, January 5, 2012


Horse Meat, slaughter for consumption USA







Saturday, January 05, 2013


Immunohistochemical Detection of Disease- Associated Prion Protein in the Peripheral Nervous System in Experimental H-Type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy







Saturday, December 15, 2012


Bovine spongiform encephalopathy: the effect of oral exposure dose on attack rate and incubation period in cattle -- an update 5 December 2012







2012 atypical L-type BSE BASE California reports


SUMMARY REPORT CALIFORNIA BOVINE SPONGIFORM ENCEPHALOPATHY CASE INVESTIGATION JULY 2012


Summary Report BSE 2012


Executive Summary







Saturday, August 4, 2012


Update from APHIS Regarding Release of the Final Report on the BSE Epidemiological Investigation







Saturday, August 4, 2012


*** Final Feed Investigation Summary - California BSE Case - July 2012








Friday, November 23, 2012


sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease update As at 5th November 2012 UK, USA, AND CANADA








Tuesday, June 26, 2012


Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease Human TSE report update North America, Canada, Mexico, and USDA PRION UNIT as of May 18, 2012


type determination pending Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease (tdpCJD), is on the rise in Canada and the USA








Monday, December 31, 2012


Creutzfeldt Jakob Disease and Human TSE Prion Disease in Washington State, 2006–2011-2012








Monday, January 14, 2013


Gambetti et al USA Prion Unit change another highly suspect USA mad cow victim to another fake name i.e. sporadic FFI at age 16 CJD Foundation goes along with this BSe








TSS