Public Perceptions And Responses To Mad Cow Disease
A total of 1,001 U.S. adults were polled about perceptions regarding “mad cow disease” (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) issue. Among the major findings, 92% have heard of mad cow disease and 85% were aware that it is been discovered in the U.S. Of those who had heard of the U.S. mad cow case, 65% believed that the nations beef supply is safe, while 24% believed it is unsafe, and 10% were unsure.
Key Findings:
- The results of this survey show that Americans are aware of the presence of mad cow disease; 92% had heard of the disease and 85% were aware that it was discovered in the U.S.
- Of those who knew of its discovery in the U.S., 65% believed the U.S. food supply is safe, while 24% considered it unsafe and 10% were unsure.
- A majority (77%) believed that the beef in their local stores is safe, while 13% thought it was unsafe, and 10% were unsure.
- Despite awareness of the disease, 68% said their confidence in the U.S. beef supply is unchanged, 8% said their confidence had increased, while 22% said their confidence had decreased (of these people, the majority said government regulation would restore their faith).
- Most respondents felt that the government and farmers handled the U.S. mad cow case well.
- Many have low levels of knowledge about the disease.
- 6% are worried that they or someone in their family will get mad cow disease during their lifetime.