The discovery this week of what is likely mad cow disease in a single cow in the United States brings back fears that arose when the same cattle illness hobbled the economy in Britain some years ago.

While this is certainly not time for U.S. consumers to panic &045;&045; experts have said the infected parts of the cow could not have made it into the food supply &045;&045; it is time for federal officials to take some drastic steps to ensure that does not happen.

The disease has been found overseas for some time, but it had not made it to the United States &045;&045; or at least had not been discovered &045;&045; until just recently.

But one scientist, an expert on the subject who has patented a quick and easy test for the disease, said he has been warning U.S. officials it was just a matter of time before mad cow was found here.

Whether his warnings went unheeded or not, it is now time for federal officials to begin taking him seriously and looking at what steps we can take to avoid the cripping effects this could have on the economy.

Government officials do not always have a history of taking expert opinions when they might cost a bit more money.

But the test patented by Dr. Stanley Prusiner, a neurologist at the University of California, would cost only 2 to 3 cents per pound of beef.

We think that is not too high a price to pay for peace of mind &045;&045; or for the health of consumers.

We urge government officials, who were working around the clock over the holiday, to consider every option.