From: The Bruner's or King's [hootie@kiva.net]
Sent: Monday, February 26, 2001 7:03 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: docket number 98P-0151/CP1

 U.S. Food and Drug Administration
 Dockets Management Branch
 5630 Fishers Lane, Room 1061
 Rockville, MD 20852
 FAX: 301-827-6870
 E-mail: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
 
 I am writing to urge that the U.S. FDA grant the
petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals -
docket number 98P-0151/CP1 which is outlined in the
Downed Animal Protection Act (H.R. 443 & S. 515).
 
 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, there is evidence that some downed
animals may be afflicted with a form of BSE (Bovine
Spongiform Encephalopathy or "Mad Cow Disease"), a
disease which has been linked to a fatal human illness
(CJD or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease) and also has been
show to be transmissible across species.
 
It is impossible to move downed animals humanely, and
they are typically pushed with tractors or dragged
with chains - inhumane processes which cause injuries
ranging from bruises and abrasions, to broken bones
and torn ligaments. 

Downed animals comprise a very small percentage of
animals slaughtered, and prohibiting their marketing
will cause no undue economic hardship. 

Industry experts have estimated that 90% percent of
downed animals can be prevented with better care and
handling.  Removing the market for downed animals will
provide an incentive to industry to prevent downed
animals in the first place.

Sherrie Bruner 
102 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Bedford, IN  47421