Subscribe now

A SECOND cow in the US has tested positive for BSE, just in time for Fourth of July barbecues. A programme to test more than 200,000 cattle, launched in June, has so far examined 7000 animals. Finding a positive so quickly could just be bad luck, or it could indicate a significant prevalence of BSE in the US herds.

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) says the test result is “inconclusive” until it has been confirmed by a slower, more reliable test, and that it is “highly likely” the animal did not have BSE. But the California firm BioRad, which…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop