What is the primary goal of the United States BSE surveillance program?

• A. Food safety
• B. Detect changes in BSE status of U.S. cattle
• C. Public health
• D. Research

Answer: (B)

Surveillance programs are designed to monitor whether a disease is present and how its prevalence may be changing over time. For BSE in the United States, the main goal of the surveillance program is to detect changes in the BSE status of U.S. cattle. By systematically testing cattle, especially high‑risk animals and those at slaughter, authorities can determine if BSE is present, whether it’s appearing in new areas, or if its prevalence is shifting. This information is essential for making timely risk management decisions, communicating with the public and trade partners, and implementing controls to protect animal and, by extension, human health. While improving food safety and public health are important outcomes of controlling BSE, the surveillance program’s primary function is to monitor and detect changes in disease status rather than directly delivering food safety measures or conducting research.