More Cases Confirmed in Canadian Bovine TB Investigation
CANADA - The investigation into cases of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in Canadian cattle has continued, with 34 farms in Alberta and two farms in Saskatchewan under Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) quarantine and movement controls, according to the Alberta Beef Producers organisation.
22 November 2016
2 minute read
A case of Bovine TB was detected in a cow from Alberta when it was slaughtered in the US in September.
To date there are six confirmed cases of bovine TB. This includes the cow that was confirmed to have the disease when it was slaughtered in the United Sates. All confirmed cases are from the one infected herd which is located on three separate premises in Alberta. All of the cattle from the herd are in the process of being removed from the premises and humanely destroyed.
While there are no confirmed cases of bovine TB in Saskatchewan the animals on the quarantined farms in that province have been in contact with the infected herd and are therefore subject to movement controls.
Of the animals tested to date by the CFIA, 52 have shown a response to initial testing and then received a post mortem examination. The post mortem revealed 12 of these animals had gross lesions compatible with bovine tuberculosis. The tissue samples from these animals were sent to the lab for examination. Lab results confirmed that the lesions seen in five animals are consistent with bovine tuberculosis. Five animals had PCR results that are positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, presumptive Mycobacterium bovis.
These positive test results indicate transmission between animals has occurred. The CFIA is currently conducting a risk assessment to determine how these results impact the investigation and whether or not additional herds may be declared infected.
To date there are no trade impacts, the Alberta Beef Producers said.
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