[Verginius Rufus]

As I understand it, the UK is the country they really worry about as far as mad cow disease, and the concern about people who were stationed at US military bases in Europe was that their beef came from England.

The five year rule is general--applies to anyone who spent five years or more in any European country since Jan. 1, 1980.

You might Google "Red Cross Mad Cow" for their guidelines to see if you are excluded by their rules. It is not the same for all countries.

Of course people who have lived in Europe all their lives give blood to the Red Cross in their own countries...the Red Cross doesn't have to import blood from North America for the Europeans who need blood.

[elcid1970]

Holy smoke, you’re right!

If being born & raised & living in Europe all your life doesn’t disqualify you as a blood donor, then why should spending a few years there do so!?

Yes, does Germany have to import blood from U.S. donors who have never traveled outside our borders?

I’m going to the Red Cross office for some answers. Thanks!