Government Seizes Sheep Feared Carrying Mad Cow Disease
July 5, 2001
The Federal government took possession of 234 Vermont sheep suspected of carrying a variation of mad cow disease. Officials also plan to seize a nearby flock of 140.
The Agriculture Department said that the flocks or their ancestors might have been exposed to mad cow disease before they were transported to the United States. The shipments happened during a lapse in government restrictions.
The flocks' owners argue that the sheep are healthy and that the government is sacrificing their sheep to protect American agriculture's image. The owners claim that the government should instead focus on keeping the disease out of the country by regulating the importation of contaminated animal feed.
This is the first time the government has used force in confiscating animals believed to be infected with the fatal brain disorder. The sheep were taken to a government laboratory in Ames, Iowa where they will be slaughtered and tested for the disease.
-- Article Courtesy of InjuryBoard.com
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