A similar technique can be used when testing animals, where food is used as a reward for responding to the sound.

"There is no intention on our part to test fewer animals," Dr. Little said.

When that is done, Mr. Crawford said his inspectors will test animals from those producers.

Scientists tested local animals and insects in response to this; however, none tested positive for the virus.

Here, three of Fontaine's assistants, all in white jackets but without beards, were testing various animals for their reactions.

Huntingdon executives say their company uses the most humane methods possible when testing animals for the food and cosmetics industry.

The only reason mad cow disease had not been found here, he said, is that the department's animal inspection agency was testing too few animals.

Those countries had systems in place to test animals regularly and respond rapidly to reports of signs of danger.

Of course we need to test animals for BSE, but let us base the tests on sound scientific practices.

Under the new regime, the Ministry of Agriculture only tests animals when they get to the farm, if they're told about it.