USDA changing mad cow tests (Clanton Advertiser) A decrease in the number of cattle tested for mad cow disease will affect few cattle farmers in Chilton County or other Alabama counties. [News Source]

Agriculture Department to Reduce Mad Cow Testing by About 90 Percent (WTOL News 11) WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Agriculture Department is cutting its tests for mad cow disease by about 90%, drawing protests from consumer groups. [News Source]

`Mad cow testing’ isn’t called for in U.S. (The Charlotte Observer) In response to "Mad cow testing should be increased, not cut" (July 24 Forum):Why should we increase testing for a disease that has never resulted in a confirmed human case in the U.S.? [News Source]

Canada’s mad cow cases stall import plans (WLUC TV 6) WASHINGTON More mad cow cases in Canadian cattle are putting the brakes on plans to import more beef and cattle from Canada. [News Source]

Canada’s mad cow cases stall import plans (WLUC TV 6) WASHINGTON More mad cow cases in Canadian cattle are putting the brakes on plans to import more beef and cattle from Canada. [News Source]

Chipped-beef catastrophe. The idea of tracking every creature on the farm is repugnant to wary Arkansas farmers and raise the harrowing specter of government interference and control. [News Source]

Hagel encourages others to resume beef trade. Following the announcement Thursday that Japan will partially open its market to U.S. beef 20 months of age and younger, Sen. Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., is urging other nations to follow suit. [News Source]

USDA pulls back on Canada beef. Another case of mad cow disease in Canada has prompted the U.S. Department of Agriculture to put a hold on expanding cattle and beef imports from Canada. [News Source]

Firms hatching bird-flu strategy. While the much-talked-about H5N1 avian flu virus has yet to make an appearance on American soil, Colorado restaurants and other companies that rely on poultry sales are preparing for it, and for the impact it could have on their business. [News Source]

Should we worry about soya in our food? Whether you know it or not, you'll probably be eating soya today. It's in 60% of all processed food, from cheese to ice cream, baby formula to biscuits. But should it carry a health warning? [News Source]