Food Safety - BSE Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as “mad cow disease,” is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder affecting the central nervous system of cattle. BSE belongs to a family of diseases known as the transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). The disease was first diagnosed in 1986 in Great Britain. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is enforcing import restrictions and is conducting surveillance for BSE to ensure that this serious disease does not become established in the United States. Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Resource Manual - Contact AAMP at (717) 367-1168 or aamp@aamp.com   General Information www.bseinfo.org - The National Cattlemen's Beef Association launched web site to disseminate updated information to the public. Is U.S. Beef Safe for Consumers to Eat? - An Ohio State University Extension Factsheet produced by Dr. Lynn Knipe and Dr. William Shulaw to help answer customer, employee, and media questions concerning BSE. Mad-Cow-Facts.com - Mad-Cow-Facts.com helps concerned consumers learn the truth about Mad Cow Disease, BSE and related Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) from recognized academic and industry experts. Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) Splitting Carcasses from Cattle 30 Months of Age and Older - Document composed by Jay Wenther clarify the issues related to splitting carcasses from cattle 30 months of age and older. Removal of the Vertebral from Cattle 30 Months of Age and Older - Document composed by Jay Wenther clarify the issues related to removal of the vertebral column of carcasses from cattle 30 months of age and older. Tonsils of All Cattle have been Identified as a Specified Risk Material - Document composed by Jay Wenther clarify the issues related to the tonsils of cattle as related to the removal of Specified Risk Materials. Bones that are Designated as Specified Risk Material in Beef Cuts - Document composed by Jay Wenther to clarify which bones must be removed from beef cuts fabricated from beef animals 30 months of age or older. Reassessing HACCP Plans to Address Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) - Brief summary to determine who must reassess their HACCP plan and to determine what is required. Operational SSOP for Addressing Specified Risk Materials (SRMs) - Sample Operational Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures to address Specified Risk Materials (SRMs). SOP to Address BSE in Your HACCP Plan - Sample Standard Operating Procedures to address BSE compiled by Jay Wenther. Checklist for SOPs to Address BSE at Slaughter Checklist for SOPs to Address BSE at Fabrication Specified Risk Material (SRM) Summary - Document composed to define Specified Risk Materials, where they should be removed in the slaughter/processing operation, and guidelines that can be followed to remove SRMs. Additional Information & Diagrams Regarding the Removal of Tonsils in Cattle - These pictures identify the SRM (tonsils) that need to be removed from the tongue. Using Dentition to Age Cattle - Information from the FSIS Technical Service Center on how to use dentition to age cattle. BSE Update & Current Rule on Natural Casings - Memorandum from the North American Natural Casing Association outlining the current rule affecting beef casings (1/13/2004). Use of Natural Beef Casings - Memorandum from the North American Natural Casing Association outlining the restrictions in place affecting beef casings (1/8/2004). Non-penetrating Stunning Equipment   Accles & Shelvoke Ltd. Spinal Cord Removal Equipment - The new Whizard TrimVac tool from Bettcher Industries that combines Whizard trimmer technology with an effective vacuum system to provide efficient removal of spinal cord and sheath. Non-Ambulatory Cattle Requirements for the Disposition of Cattle that Become Non-Ambulatory Disabled Following Ante-Mortem Inspection Information from FSIS for Small and Very Small Establishments on Non-Ambulatory Cattle Rule Custom Slaughter and Processing of Livestock - Questions and answers concerning custom slaughter/processing of livestock and the USDA restrictions of harvesting non-ambulatory disabled cattle. The Ban on Harvesting and/or Processing of Non-ambulatory Cattle - Document composed by Jay Wenther to answer questions concerning the ban on harvesting and/or processing of non-ambulatory cattle. Sample Letter From Cattle Producer to Slaughter/Processor Concerning Non-ambulatory Cattle - Sample letter that can be utilized to insure that meat processors are not receiving non-ambulatory disabled cattle.