Federal Govt Refuses to Ease Restrictions on Blood Donations

Blood donations

The Federal Government says there will be no change to a policy that prevents 5 per cent of potential blood donors from donating.

Anyone who lived in the UK for at least six months between 1980 and 1996, the height of the 'mad cow disease' scare, is not allowed to give blood.

A recent report from the Australian Red Cross shows blood donations will need to increase by 123 per cent over the next decade to meet demand.

VCJD is the human form of the 'mad cow disease' and there is no reliable blood test available for the condition.

Yesterday a Sydney newspaper quoted Health Minister Tony Abbott as saying he is keen to lift the ban.

But Mr Abbott has released a statement saying he will not do that because there is no reliable blood test for the human form of mad cow disease.

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Most people I talk to about mad cow disease beleive the only risks are from meat that is contaminated by

• brain
• spinal cord
• eyes
• nervous system
• small intestines
• blood - in low levels

But the above article clearly states that human blood can carry the disease. So why would cattle blood (also known as 'juices' when meat is cooked) be safe? If anyone knows something I don't, I'm all ears.

Here in the U.S. last November, the USDA announced mad cow testing would be a voluntary program, no longer a mandatory one. Also, the use of cow blood as a food supplement for calves is still allowed.

We eat only 100% vegetarian-fed beef.

Ban on Blood Donations Continues