Bovine TB found in Canadian cow headed to slaughter in US
In late September, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that a case of Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) had been detected in a cow from Alberta when it was slaughtered in the United States. The CFIA has initiated an investigation into the case and is working with provincial agriculture and health authorities.
Based on the current epidemiological information, CFIA veterinarians and inspectors will be making contact with cattle producers in the following areas:
- Newell County
- Special Area No. 2
- Special Area No. 3
- Acadia No. 34
- Cypress County (North of Medicine Hat)
Tracing work is currently underway to identify animals that may have been exposed to Bovine TB at individual premises and/or the Buffalo-Atlee and Suffield Block community pastures.
As additional information about the movement of potentially exposed animals is gathered, the CFIA investigation may involve additional locations and individual farms.
Movement of cattle and other animals
Only premises that have been placed under quarantine by the CFIA are prevented from moving animals without permission. Producers in the general investigation area that have not been contacted by the CFIA are allowed to move animals (including sending cattle to auction markets and feed lots) but must comply with livestock identification requirements.
Premises that are under quarantine must not move any animals without permission from the CFIA.
Quarantine and testing
As the disease investigation proceeds, additional premises may need to be quarantined while cattle are tested for Bovine TB. The CFIA has prepared information for producers who are contacted in the course of a disease investigation.
Additional information and guidance from CFIA staff will be provided to individual producers if their animals are required to be quarantined. Testing is completed as quickly as possible. Quarantines remain in effect until all susceptible animals have tested negative for the disease.
If an animal under quarantine tests positive for Bovine TB, the CFIA will follow established procedures for destruction and compensation
- What to expect if your animals are infected
- Animal Health Compensation – What to expect when an animal is ordered destroyed
The CFIA investigation does not include testing of wildlife for Bovine TB. Disease management in wildlife is under provincial jurisdiction.
Additional information
Producers whose animals are under quarantine and subject to movement controls will be contacted by local CFIA staff who will respond to specific questions about individual situations.
General questions about Bovine TB or the current investigation will be managed by email.
–Canadian Food Inspection Agency
