MAD COW DISEASE
 
Computer models predict more mad cow cases in U.S.  Computer models predict that more cases of mad cow disease will be found in the United States, but veterinary experts say they don't expect the sort of devastating epidemic of the brain-wasting disease that hit Europe in the past decade.  Will Hueston of the University of Minnesota's Center for Animal Health and Food Safety said precautions the U.S. government took by ordering brains and spinal cords removed from the animal food supply in 1997 have dramatically lowered the chances of a major epidemic of mad cow disease in the United States....
Japan: No BSE test for young cattle  A report may breathe new life in talks over imported U.S. beef.  Japan, which has maintained a policy of blanket testing for mad cow disease, now says young cattle should be exempt as there is little chance consumers would be infected with the brain-wasting disease.  The new position, offered by a government advisory panel Thursday, could lead to a break in the impasse on a months-long ban by Japan of U.S. beef imports....
Canadian PM takes tough line against US cattle ban  Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin used the world's most famous celebration of ranching as a backdrop on Saturday to voice his strongest words yet against the U.S. ban on his country's cattle.  "What the Americans are doing is wrong," Martin told about 1,700 supporters gathered for a pancake breakfast at the Calgary Stampede. "It has to stop -- the border should be open."....