We've all learned about this disease since it was first discovered several years ago in Europe. And so I think we've learned from the European experience.
quote by Ann Veneman
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Actually, in this instance we do have probably a better tracking system than was the instance in Canada. Because this is a dairy cow, they're all individually tagged.
quote by Ann Veneman
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I'm confident that we have measures in place. And the additional measures that we announced yesterday will be even more protective of our food supply in this country.
quote by Ann Veneman
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It's been studied to the point where we know that the impact on humans would be from consuming the most infected parts of the cow; that is, the brain and the spinal cord.
quote by Ann Veneman
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The cows have ID numbers. And we should be able, throughout the investigation, which is ongoing as we speak, to be able to track that cow back to where it came from initially.
quote by Ann Veneman
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The demand for beef in Canada remains strong because I think people in America, in North America, know that we have a very strong food safety system and that our food is safe to eat.
quote by Ann Veneman
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I also believe that it's the right thing to do, to maintain strong consumer confidence in our food systems. And I believe that the consumer should have strong confidence in our food systems.
quote by Ann Veneman
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Now, the impact on export markets - we export about 10 percent of what we produce, so obviously that will probably have some impact on the market. At this point it's too early to determine how much.
quote by Ann Veneman
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We are doing everything we can to protect the food supply. And I can tell you that we're making decisions based upon sound science and good public policy, given the circumstances that we are now in.
quote by Ann Veneman
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We had a single find of BSE in this country. And we believe that what we're doing is appropriate action taken in an abundance of caution under the circumstances. And I believe it's the right thing to do.
quote by Ann Veneman
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