Answer:
The likely economic effect on the US demand curve for beef from Canada, following widespread reporting of mad cow disease, is a decrease in demand. Mad cow disease is a serious concern related to food safety, and when such reports gain widespread attention, consumers tend to become more cautious about the products in question.
In this case, the negative publicity surrounding mad cow disease in Canadian beef can lead to a decrease in consumer confidence and trust in the safety of Canadian beef products. Consumers may become reluctant to purchase beef from Canada, fearing potential health risks. As a result, the demand for Canadian beef in the US market is likely to decline.
A decrease in demand will cause the demand curve for beef from Canada to shift leftward. This means that at any given price level, the quantity demanded for Canadian beef will be lower compared to the pre-mad cow disease period. The magnitude of the shift will depend on the severity of the reports and consumers' perceptions of the risk associated with Canadian beef.
To cope with the decline in demand, Canadian beef exporters may need to explore strategies such as implementing stringent safety measures, engaging in extensive public relations campaigns to restore consumer confidence, or diversifying their export markets to offset the reduced demand from the US.
It's important to note that the actual economic effect will depend on various factors, including the duration and severity of the mad cow disease reports, consumer perceptions, and the response of the Canadian beef industry to address safety concerns.