But some experts say despite the precautions, it's possible the diseases will come to Minnesota at some point. In the new global economy, a virus is only a plane ride away. That curiosity has spurred the Minnesota Department of Agriculture to pilot a program it hopes will help consumers track the products they buy back to their source - a Minnesota farm. For about a month now, Huisken Meats has been making beef patties in the town of Sauk Rapids. It's sending many of them off to an Iowa plant, for irradiation treatment.
Scientists generally support irradiation as a way to reduce food-borne illnesses.
But some opponents say the practice may also kill off small family-based farms. But some are concerned about the patchwork approach to restaurant inspection, especially in the Twin Cities area - where some 17 city and county agencies have that responsibility. The University of Minnesota has hired an international expert in BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease, to head their new Center for Animal Health and Food Safety in the College of Veterinary Medicine. As a veterinarian, William Hueston has devoted his career to tracking animal diseases and monitoring their health both here and in the United Kingdom. Things Considered host, Lorna Benson, talked with Hueston about the chances of BSE showing up here.