Mad Cow: News, Information and Resources

	Veterinary Professor Jim Cullor and colleagues have developed a quick test that uses DNA forensic techniques to prevent transmission of mad cow disease by detecting prohibited material in livestock feed. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis photo)

On June 24, 2005, the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed the United State's second case of mad cow disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy.

Since the first case of mad cow disease was discovered in the United States in December 2003, UC Davis faculty members have been busy doing research and educating consumers, producers and veterinary groups.

The following news stories, NewsWatch videos, a documentary and faculty interviews offer more information about the disease, the threat it poses and what is being done about the problem.

Latest news and information

• Mad Cow Disease — Is our Food Safe? (UC Davis documentary video*, 28.33 minutes, 9.1.04)
• BSE Cow Feed (NewsWatch video* 1:45 minutes)
• Mad Cow Surveillance (NewsWatch video* 1:45 minutes)
• New livestock feed test guards against mad cow disease (UC Davis News Service, 2.23.04)
• When the cows went mad, UC Davis was there to help
• UC Davis Institute of Governmental Affairs panel debates mad-cow threat (video*, 55 minutes, 2.5.04)
• Physicists study mad cow-type diseases (UC Davis News Service, 1.22.04)

What our faculty members are saying

• Dean Cliver: Causes of the disease and risks for humans
• Daniel Sumner: Effect on U.S. agriculture and consumers
• Gail Feenstra: Is 'buying locally' better protection?
• John Maas: Symptoms and issues in tracking cattle
• Jim Cullor: Impact on the the dairy industry
• Jim Oltjen: Effect on cattle producers
• Bennie Osburn: The veterinary school's role
• Niels Pedersen: Pets and zoo animals' susceptibility

UC Davis experts on mad cow/BSE

*To view the webcast, download the "RealOne Player" plug-in. Tip: Look in the upper right corner of the Real home page for the link to the free player.

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