Murray Statement on Mad Cow Discovery in Washington State

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This evening, the Department of Agriculture announced the discovery of the first suspected case of Mad Cow disease in a single cow in Washington state.

Senator Murray, a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, spoke with Under Secretary of Food and Safety Elsa Murano and urged a quick and thorough review of the state’s food supply.

Senator Murray released the following statement:

“Today’s discovery of mad cow disease in Washington state is a serious development for both our consumers and producers.

I have spoken with the Under Secretary of Food and Safety and have insisted that the Department of Agriculture move quickly to identify and contain the spread of this deadly illness.

While this appears to be an isolated incident, we must work diligently to get to the bottom of it. Consumers need to know that the beef their families eat is safe and producers must not suffer the consequences of unanswered questions about their cattle.

My number one priority continues to be the safety of our residents. I will continue to do all that I can to ensure the security of our food supply. I urge the Department of Agriculture to collect and distribute information to the public expeditiously.”