WASHINGTON, Aug. 25, 2006—The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced today that they have completed an epidemiological investigation on their 7th BSE case, a 50-month-old animal that was confirmed positive on July 13th.

USDA participated in the investigation and we are now reviewing the report to determine whether it impacts the Department's proposed minimal risk rule. The proposed rule would allow imports of animals over 30 months from countries that pose minimal risk. Data provided in today's report will be factored into the current risk assessment.

USDA officials will be in regular contact with Canadian officials throughout the investigation of an eighth case identified earlier this week