Mad Cows Resurface in France

PARIS--French officials documented two new cases of mad cow disease, bringing the 1999 French total of cows with the disease to 31. The French Agriculture Ministry found the cows in two separate regions; one in northwest Brittany, the other in central Creuse. Both herds in which the mad cows were found have been slaughtered.

Scientists expect that since the disease has a five-year incubation period, cases will continue to appear into 2001. The date is related to the stringent prevention measures undertaken in 1996 to prevent outbreaks. France has maintained a ban on British beef since that date; the first mad cows were found there. British beef has since been found safe for import, yet France still maintains the ban. A case has been brought against France by the executive arm of the European Union to resolve the matter.