U.S. permanently bans infirm cattle

Cattle that are unable to stand or walk will be permanently banned from the U.S. food supply as part of an effort to prevent the spread of mad cow disease, the government said.

The regulation becomes effective Oct. 1, making permanent a temporary policy set in January 2004, shortly after the first U.S. case of mad cow disease was discovered, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement.

So-called downer cattle are considered the highest risk for mad cow disease, which attacks the central nervous system and often renders an animal incapable of standing or walking.