CANADA – In late September, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that a case of bovine TB (tuberculosis) had been detected in a cow from Alberta when it was slaughtered in the US.
CFIA is currently investigating the outbreak, including tracing animals that may have been exposed to the infected animal.
Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) reported recently that the preliminary testing of the index herd has been completed and results of these tests are anticipated. Testing of other herds that had direct contact with the infected animal is proceeding.
A significant number of herds have been quarantined and the producers notified, but the number of herds quarantined could increase as the tracebacks of animals in contact with any positive animals over the last five years proceed. Canadian media reports suggest that 30 ranches have been quarantined.
ABP said it is encouraging the CFIA and the Alberta government to provide an effective, rapid, and thorough investigation of this case.
Source: The Dairy Site www.thedairysite.com