Govenrment and Business Environment Case Study

Mad Cow Disease and USDA's Response

OR

Abstract:
In 2003, the US beef industry had a major set back with the outbreak of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) also called mad cow disease. There was an immediate impact on the US beef industry as there was a ban on the US beef from trade partners. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), an organisation that was set up to safeguard the interest of the farmers and ranchers, had a tough time in getting back the lost trade. But inspite of the initiatives of the USDA, the prospects of lifting of the ban seemed grim.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the economic implications on the US beef industry after the outbreak of mad cow disease and the measures taken up by the USDA in this regard.

Keywords : Economic Crisis Case Study, Mad cow disease and USDA, United States Department of Agriculture, United States beef industry, Protectionism, Trade tariffs, World Trade Organisation, Anti-dumping, International beef market, Economic implications of beef ban, The US economy, Beef imports and exports, UN Food and Agricultural Organisation, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, Ann Veneman, European Union ban on US beef