Britain Won’t Order Slaughter Of Cattle

Britain on Monday lifted the threat of a death sentence against 4.5 million British cattle, saying the latest scientific advice indicates British beef is relatively safe. But fears of mad-cow disease continued unabated, and European experts in Brussels recommended a ban on the import of British beef.

British Health Minister Stephen Dorrell informed Parliament that a science advisory committee had concluded that risks to human health from the disease are “extremely small” if the government enforces regulations already in force.

The committee said no additional measures are justified but the situation needs to be kept under review, Dorrell said.

Britain on Monday lifted the threat of a death sentence against 4.5 million British cattle, saying the latest scientific advice indicates British beef is relatively safe. But fears of mad-cow disease continued unabated, and European experts in Brussels recommended a ban on the import of British beef.

British Health Minister Stephen Dorrell informed Parliament that a science advisory committee had concluded that risks to human health from the disease are “extremely small” if the government enforces regulations already in force.

The committee said no additional measures are justified but the situation needs to be kept under review, Dorrell said.