The Fukushima Prefectural Government admitted Tuesday it has no way to scientifically gauge the internal radiation exposure of cows in Minamisoma, one of its northern coastal cities, following recent revelations that cattle from there that ate radioactive straw were later shipped to Tokyo and other prefectures.
The prefecture had asked cattle farmers to monitor the radiation levels of their animals' backs and legs before the cows are sold, using equipment that detects external radiation exposure, said Hideaki Ando, a prefectural official in charge of the livestock industry in 12 northern coastal municipalities, including Minamisoma.
To assess the possibility of internal exposure, his division had farmers fill in questionnaires asking if they keep cows under a roof and give them water and food kept indoors, he said.