Farmers Vow to Fight ‘Mad Cow’ Disease

Voicing confidence that U.S. regulations were strong enough to defend against “mad cow” disease, U.S. farm groups promised not to break the rules by feeding livestock remains to their cattle.

The pledge came after representatives from cattle and feed groups met with government officials to discuss whether the United States needs to bolster its defenses against the brain-wasting illness that continues to spread in Europe.

The meeting was held as U.S. regulators kept 1,200 Texas cattle in quarantine for fear of exposure to bovine spongiform encephalopathy--better known as “mad cow” disease--via tainted animal feed.

Scientists believe the illness spreads when cows eat the remains of other infected animals.