WASHINGTON - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced Friday that cattle or meat from animals born on the same farm within a year of the birth as the cow found in December to have “mad cow” disease might have reached the United States. The cows in this “birth cohort” may have been fed Canadian cattle feed containing animal protein. Material from ruminants in feed products for cattle is illegal under Canadian law. “Mad cow” disease, or bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), is believed to spread when cattle eat bits of ruminants with the disease. The only case of mad cow disease found in the United States was in a Canadian-born cow. Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) released the following statement in response.

“I am concerned by accounts that as many as four Canadian plants may have used animal feed containing ruminants and that Canada may not be adhering to laws on the use of animal proteins in feed. This news is especially shocking when less than two weeks ago, the U.S. announced it was opening up the domestic market to imports of Canadian cattle.

“This announcement is further evidence that the government must proactively put in place policies, such as a national animal tracing system, and systematic controls on animal feed to assure we are doing all we can to diminish foodborne illness outbreaks and maintain confidence in our food supply.

“Until these systems are put in place, it is up to the U.S. government to slow down the number of Canadian imports so that a stronger review process can take place.”