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Downer Cows Completely Prohibited

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 21, 2008

WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer on Tuesday announced a total ban on the slaughter at meat plants of cows too sick or weak to stand.

The planned change comes in the wake of the nation's largest beef recall. It would shut down an exception, which critics call a loophole, that allows a small number of so-called "downer" cattle into the food supply if they pass veterinary inspection.

Downer cows pose increased risk for mad cow disease, E. coli and other infections, partly because they typically wallow in feces. They are already mostly banned from slaughter but, under current rules, can be allowed in if they fall down after passing an initial veterinary inspection and are reinspected and pass.

Some lawmakers and the Humane Society have lobbied Schafer to eliminate that exception, and the meat and dairy industry last month endorsed the change too.

The Associated Press

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