The following is from the ProMED list server.
peace
misha
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BSE - PORTUGAL
****************
A ProMED-mail post
Date: Thu, 24 Sep 1998 02:06:50 -0400
From: "Robert A. LaBudde"
Source: Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
[ex media sources, 23 Sep 1998]
[see also:
The Electronic Telegraph, August 23, 1997 (one year ago):
"A new official veterinary survey shows that countries in the European
Union have reported only one in six cases of mad cow disease...By
January [1997], the Republic of Ireland had reported 188 cases - but
the number expected was 911. Germany reported five - the expected
number was 243. Of the others:
France reported 28 (expected number 32);
Spain reported none (54); Italy reported two
(50); Portugal reported 61 (262);**********
Holland reported none (44); Belgium and
Luxembourg reported none (17)."]
At a meeting of farmers and residents in the lower Alentejo region in
southern Portugal late on Tuesday, President Jorge Sampaio urged
strict compliance with sanitary checks to prevent the spread of BSE in
Portugal, adding, "It is important that all sanitary steps are taken
so that there is no alarmism. We need rigorous information and
ruthless controls."
The European Commission is considering taking legal action against
Portugal over what it sees as an alarming increase in mad cow disease
this year. Portuguese farm minister Fernando Gomes da Silva has
admitted that his government was in contact with Brussels over the
issue but stressed Portugal did not officially export any beef.
However, veterinary officials informed the Portuguese media on Tuesday
night that Portugal does export beef, and that Spain was one
destination. The Commission's fears are based on an inspection report
carried out by EU veterinary experts earlier this year. According to
EU officials, the report highlighted serious deficiencies in
Portugal's controls over animal feed.
The report has now been passed to the Portuguese authorities, who are
expected to reply before the end of the week. The Commission's next
step will depend on the reply it receives. The most likely response
from Brussels will be a threat of court action, according to EU
officials. .................................................mhj/jw
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Michele Gale-Sinex, communications manager
Center for Integrated Ag Systems
UW-Madison College of Ag and Life Sciences
Voice: (608) 262-8018 FAX: (608) 265-3020
http://www.wisc.edu/cias/
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In the end, they will lay their freedom at our feet
and say to us, 'Make us your slaves, but feed us.'
--the Grand Inquisitor, Dostoevsky
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