Matadors Can’t Spread ‘Mad Cow,’ Report Says

A matador’s death blow--a sword thrust that severs a bull’s spinal cord--poses no risk of spreading “mad cow” disease, a government report concluded, clearing the way for the lifting of a ban on selling meat from fighting bulls.

The ban was imposed last year, infuriating bull breeders and fight organizers who rely on meat sales to make a profit.

No cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy have been found in Spain’s fighting bulls. But there were fears that a bullfighter’s blow could release particles of nerve tissue and contaminate the meat.

The government is poised to lift the meat sale ban, with some restrictions, an official said.