New strain of mad cow disease not tied to feed (USA Today) A new strain of mad cow disease that may strike spontaneously rather than through contaminated feed could mean that it will be impossible to completely stamp out the brain-destroying illness. A French researcher thinks two U.S. cases can be blamed on the spontaneous occurrence, but more research is needed. [News Source]

Japan gains support on whaling, sparking fears of new slaughter. After a two-decade campaign, Japan may have mustered enough allies to win a majority on the International Whaling Commission, a victory anti-whaling activists fear will bring back the sea slaughter that once drove many species to the brink of extinction. [News Source]

Waste dispute threatens disease lab’s work. Workers and others fear poor disposal practices mean animal illnesses from studies at the National Animal Disease Center facility in Ames could reach Iowa's waters. [News Source]

Waste dispute threatens disease lab’s work (The Des Moines Register) Ames, Ia. — Scientists at the National Animal Disease Center in Ames are eager to begin unraveling the mysteries of mad cow disease. [News Source]

Some ranchers shy on first day since mad cow announcement (AG Weekly) TULIA, Texas -- West Texas rancher Kevin Crooks lost about $1 million in the year following the country's first case of mad cow 18 months ago. If he'd had cattle big enough to sell at the Tulia Livestock Auction on Monday, he wouldn't have brought a one. [News Source]