Authorities in a number of French cities temporarily ban beef from restaurants and school canteens. The families of two French victims of the vCJD file a law suit charging that authorities in France, Britain and Europe did not act quickly enough to stamp out mad cow disease. The first case of mad cow disease is detected in Spain. 2000 Germany confirms the first two cases of mad cow disease in cows born on German soil. Authorities in the Azores say they will slaughter all cattle imported in recent years.
Parliament also approves an immediate blanket ban on meat and bone meal feed.
A new report finds the incidence of mad cow disease in France is more prevalent than previously thought. The Food Safety Board says it has detected at least one case of the disease for every 500 cattle tested in the northwest of the country. The World Health Organisation announces fresh moves to address global concerns over mad cow disease. Imports from Britain were banned in 1996. Retailers in Australia and New Zealand are advised to remove all European beef products from their shelves.