LETTER: BSE: slaughter infected herds, not old cattle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: I am not reassured by the government policy to exclude the meat of older cattle from the food chain. As a consumer, what I understand of the current state of knowledge is:
1) There may be a link between BSE and CJD.
2) BSE may be passable from one generation to another and may therefore be latent in young cattle.
3) BSE may be present throughout the meat of infected cattle through the nervous system.
4) There are a large number of herds which have never been affected by BSE.
What would reassure me is a policy of selective slaughter of infected herds and promotion of healthy ones. I spoke recently to a farmer on the island of Coll, who said that he buys his cattle from Ireland, where this selective culling policy has been in force. I would be happy to eat his cattle but at present have no means of distinguishing it from other beef on the market.
Susan Carstairs
Arisaig, Inverness-shire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments