New device to quickly check radiation in cows

March 13, 2014

New device allows quick radiation checks of cattle

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140313_24.html 

Fukushima Prefecture has developed a device that can measure the radiation level of live cows in just one minute. Tests that use blood or urine samples normally take about a week to produce results.

The Fukushima Agricultural Technology Centre led the development of the equipment. It was demonstrated on Thursday at a cattle market in Motomiya City.

The device is applied to the cow's hind leg for one minute. The level of radioactive substances, mainly cesium, is shown on a display. Radioactive cesium is said to accumulate in the muscles.

The tests were carried out on 80 heads of cattle that were auctioned at the market later in the day. All the cows cleared the government's standards, and the results were explained to the cattle owners.

Fukushima Prefecture has been conducting radiation checks on all cattle before shipment since the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant. But the tests involve taking blood or urine samples and the results are available in about a week.

A cattle farmer who had a cow checked said the new device will help to confirm the safety of cattle from Fukushima more efficiently.

Shigeru Shiga from the technology center says beef cattle from Fukushima have been affected by consumer concerns over radiation contamination in the wake of the nuclear accident.

Shiga said he hopes the new device will help to guarantee the safety of cattle and reduce the burden on cattle farmers.

Mar. 13, 2014 - Updated 07:01 UTC