PPRM,

My point number 3. was tongue in cheek in that by testing under 30 months the probability of finding a positive BSE would by minimal (with the exception that Japan claims to have found a positive in a 24 month old calf).

Therefore, nothing found...no problem.

If testing all cattle opens markets (borders), then I am all for it.  However, I agree with USDA/CFIA in that it is not a food safety issue but a market issue. .  At the present time, with the lack of sensitivity of the test, the only way you will find positives is if you test older cattle, especially those that are showing signs of illness.