The representative of the Panamerican Health Organization (OPS) in the D.R., Dr. Merlin Fernández, has told Minister of Public Health Dr. Victor Garcia Santos that there is no risk of the presence of the so-called “Mad Cow” disease, B.S.E., in dairy products imported from Europe. Dr. Fernandez said that neither milk nor any of its derivatives are agents for transmission of the disease which has received tremendous publicity in Europe after its discovery in cattle raised in Great Britain. Last week, Dr. Garcia Santos prohibited the import of any meat or dairy product from Britain or any other nation affected by the disease. He has said that after reading the report sent to him by Dr. Fernández, he will re-evaluate the position of the Ministry of Public Health on the import prohibition.
12-18 April 1996