ROME, Sep 24, 2002 (AP WorldStream via COMTEX) -- Italy has reported its 72nd case of mad cow disease, after laboratory analysis confirmed that a cow from the Trento area had been infected with the brain-wasting affliction.

The Health Ministry, announcing the latest case, said Tuesday that nearly 1 million animals have been tested so far in line with European Union test requirements for cattle older than 30 months and destined for slaughter.

Italy found its first case last year, after the mandatory EU testing began.

Most of the infected animals have been found in northern or north-central Italy.

One case of the human form of the illness has been reported in the country. Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease was detected in February in a young woman living in Sicily. Many experts believe the illness is transmitted by eating meat from infected animals.

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