Canadian Beef Imports (broadcast Friday, November 30th, 2007)

A U.S. cow. Photo by Peggy Greb. USDA/ARS

Canadian cattle up to 8 years old can now be imported into the U.S., according to rules that went into effect earlier this month. Such older cattle are at higher risk of developing bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as 'mad cow disease.' However, the U.S. Department of Agriculture rules say that Canadian cattle born after 1999, when a ban on certain types of feed went into effect, are of minimal risk and should be allowed free entry. Previously, only younger cattle (up to 2.5 years old) were permitted to enter the country from Canada.

In this segment, Ira talks with a representative of the USDA about the decision, and with a member of a consumers' group worried about the potential consequences. Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.