This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed that a dairy cow in California tested positive for atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE, or "mad cow" disease). The USDA also confirmed the cow did not enter the animal feed or human food supply. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working with federal and state authorities to further investigate this case.

The FDA is confident in the effectiveness of the existing animal feed safeguards designed to prevent the spread of BSE through feed. Although current science suggests that atypical cases of BSE, such as this one, are unlikely to be transmitted through animal feed, the FDA will work with the USDA to complete a thorough epidemiological investigation.Importantly, scientific research indicates that BSE cannot be transmitted in cow's milk. The FDA is committed to protecting the safety of the U.S. human food and animal feed supply from BSE and will continue to work closely with the USDA and state officials on this public health issue and will provide updates as information becomes available.