From: Mark Reed [markhreed@mediaone.net]
Sent: Saturday, February 24, 2001 3:09 PM
To: FDADockets@oc.fda.gov
Subject: Petition 98P-0151/CP1

Dear Dockets Management Branch:

We write in support of the above petition to prohibit the slaughter of downed animals.

Human health concerns top the list of priorities, and there is evidence of an increased risk of bacterial contamination, and that some downed animals may be infected with BSE. Therefore, they should not enter the food chain.

Also, it is almost impossible to move downed animals humanely.

Finally, experts believe that up to 90 percent of downed animals can be prevented with better care and handling. Removing these animals from production will provide the industry with an incentive to prevent downers in the first place.

Thank you for taking our views into consideration.

Sincerely,
M/M Mark H Reed
1875 Troy Lane
Mpls, MN 55447