AR-News: (US) Mad cow 'truths' doubted

[Animalconcerns]

[from Sacramento Bee]

WASHINGTON - Five years before the first case of mad cow disease was
discovered in the United States, the Department of Agriculture asked
Harvard University's Center for Risk Analysis to evaluate whether existing
safeguards could prevent the disease from spreading to humans and animals.

The center concluded it was "extremely unlikely" that mad cow disease, or
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), would establish itself in the
United States. Even if cases were reported, the center said, it was
"virtually certain" the disease would burn itself out within 20 years
because of steps federal regulators already had taken.

Now, as the Bush administration and the cattle industry deal with the
fallout from the discovery of an infected Holstein at a Washington state
dairy farm shortly before Christmas, the Harvard study has become their
bible. Administration officials from Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman on
down cite it frequently as proof there is nothing to worry about.

But the study, and the Harvard center, has it critics.

Consumer groups say the Harvard center has a reputation for "soft"
scientific studies, often funded by private corporations.
...
Using risk analysis, cost-benefit analysis and other studies, the center
over the years has looked at everything from car air bags and pesticides
to cell phones and clean air regulations. It has received funding from Dow
Chemical, Exxon, Pfizer, General Motors, Monsanto, 3M, ASARCO, Boise
Cascade and dozens of other companies and industries that are heavily
regulated.

The center's influence has spread to the inside of the Bush administration.

full story:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/business/story/8277799p-9208415c.html

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