It was confirmed April 24, 2012 that a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was found in a dairy cow in central California.

“BSE is a progressive neurological disease among cattle that is always fatal,” said USDA Chief Veterinary Officer, John Clifford.

The carcass of the animal was held under State authority. It was reported that the animal was not intended to be slaughtered for human consumption.

For more information, see the full statement given by USDA Chief Veterinary Officer, John Clifford.