I don't know of any who "hope" that the U.S. has large numbers of BSE infected cattle. It is a matter of anyone who has the slightest shred of objectivity must question the peculiar lack of findings in the U.S. herd when our respective herds and management practices have so much commonality in breeding and feeding.

RobertMac, you seem to be a thinking type of person. Why have you not  challenged Terry's figures of the rate of infectivity in your herd?

Perhaps your curious silence is reflective of the American approach to your BSE problem - let sleeping dogs lie.

As far as the "conspiracy" theory, well, it need not be a "conspiracy" at all. Never underestimate the impact of lethargy combined with gross inefficiency.