cats owner be aware http://www.petplace.com/dogs/can-your-dog-get-mad-cow-disease-f Safety Measures Don't Protect Pet Foods Since the discovery of infected cows first in Great Britain, then in Canada, and now one (or possibly more) within the U. S., the USDA has announced implementation of some new safeguards. These safeguards fall far short of those called for by consumer groups and scientists. This new rule was very interesting to me, as a pet owner: "Meat from downer animals will no longer be allowed into our human food supply. These animals are called 4D for dead, dying, diseased and disabled."
However, 4D animals can still be used in commercial pet foods and feed for poultry and swine. Restrictions have also been placed on slaughter and processing methods to " increase the likelihood" tissue from the nervous system of the cow does not end up in meat products. Is that good enough. Can Your Dog Get Infected from Eating Kibble, Hooves or Rawhide? In a word, the general consensus of the international scientific community is a resounding "NO." For reasons unknown, dogs appear to be immune. Cats, however, are not so lucky. Many animal experts recommend that any dog food containing beef or beef byproducts be kept away from felines, even though there is no reason to believe that BSE is present in American dog foods. The FDA states: "There is no evidence to date that dogs can contract BSE or any similar disease and there is further no evidence that dogs can transmit the disease to humans. With the exception of cats, no pets are known to be able to contract Mad Cow Disease."