From: Nanci Fowler [JFOWLER-RENO@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2001 2:33 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Petition 98P-0151/CP1


Hello,

I am writing to urge you to grant petition 98P-0151/CP1.

The marketing and slaughter of nonambulatory livestock is unacceptable.
Certainly animals who are too sick or injured even to stand should not be
allowed to enter the human food chain.

In addition to posing an increased risk for bacterial contamination (e.g.
Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Cryptosporidium parvum, Cyclospora
cayetanensis, Listeria monocytogenes, etc.), there is evidence that some
downed animals may be afflicted with  a form of "Mad Cow Disease" (Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy), which has been linked to Creutzfeld-Jacob
Disease in humans.

Another important issue involves the inhumane treatment of downed animals,
which are typically pushed with tractors or dragged with chains, practices
which cause injuries ranging from bruises and abrasions, to broken bones and
torn ligaments.

Downed animals comprise a very small percentge of animals slaughtered.
Furthermore, industry experts have estimated that 90% of downed animals can
be prevented with better care an handling.  Removing the market will provide
an incentive to the livestock industry to prevent downed animals in the
first place.

Thank you.

Nanci Fowler