010420 Texas Kills German Cattle

Texas is taking steps to prevent Mad Cow Disease from happening. The health department destroyed 16 animals as a precautionary measure. The cattle were imported from Germany. The USDA is overseeing the process. Each cow's brain tissue will be sent to an Iowa laboratory for testing. Mad Cow Disease has not shown up in American cattle.

Earlier, it was announced that a state task force will work to keep foot- and-mouth disease out of Texas and stop any spread should it reach the Lone Star State. Governor Rick Perry announced the Foreign Animal Disease Working Group. Linda Logan, executive director of the state Animal Health Commission, will chair the group. Its mission will include developing a rapid response to any reported finding of the virus.

Texas Secretary of State Henry Cuellar will be responsible for working with Mexican officials, if needed. Foot-and-mouth disease is harmless to humans but spreads quickly among livestock. The virus can be carried on clothing and footwear as well as meat products. Outbreaks in Great Britain have resulted in millions of cattle and livestock being destroyed.

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