The announcement by Canadian authorities of another case of mad cow disease could strengthen the case of a group of U.S. cattlemen who want a ban against cross-border cattle trading to remain in place. Authorities on Tuesday confirmed the case of the deadly brain-wasting disease in the western province of Alberta, the second animal found to have mad cow since U.S. officials announced last month they would resume the cattle trade with Canada in March. Canadian officials said no part of the cow — the third case of the disease ever found in the country — has entered the human or animal feed system. But the announcement could add support to a group of U.S. cattlemen who have sued to block the lifting of the ban. The cattlemen say allowing the trade will hurt U.S. producers and put consumers at risk.
