OTTAWA, January 23, 2006 -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) today confirmed
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an approximately six-year-old cross-bred cow
born and raised in Alberta. No part of the animal entered the human food or animal feed
systems.
This finding is not unexpected and was identified through Canadas national
surveillance program, which targets cattle at highest risk of being infected with BSE. The
program has tested more than 87,000 animals since Canadas first BSE case in 2003.
The geographic location and age of this animal are consistent with the three domestic
cases previously detected through the national BSE surveillance program and the current
understanding of BSE in Canada. The clustering of these cases is examined in the
epidemiological report, Canadas Assessment
of the North American BSE Cases Diagnosed from 2003 to 2005 (Part II), which is
available on the CFIAs Website.
Food safety remains protected through the removal of specified risk material (SRM) from
all cattle slaughtered for human food in Canada. SRM are tissues that, in infected cattle,
contain the BSE agent. This measure is internationally recognized as the most effective
means to protect public health from BSE.
The CFIA, working collaboratively with the producer and the Province of Alberta, has
launched a comprehensive investigation into the feeding regime and storage practices
employed on the farm, as well as the production and source of feeds delivered to the farm.
Consistent with international standards, the CFIA will identify cattle born on the farm
within 12 months before and after the affected animal, as well as offspring of the
affected animal born during the last two years. Any live animals found from these groups
will be segregated and tested.
Definitive conclusions regarding the source of infectivity cannot be made until the
investigation is complete; however, it is probable that the source is contaminated feed.
This scenario is consistent with Canadas previous experience and that of the
international community. Although the first evidence of BSE in the Canadian herd was in
May 2003 and this recent animal would have become infected with the disease prior to that
time, this case does support the need for Canada to continue to move towards enhancing the
current feed ban. In December 2004, there was a formal call for comments on the draft
regulations through Canada Gazette, which have been the subject of extensive consultations
with the provinces and industry. The CFIA has completed its analysis and is prepared to
provide advice to the government on next steps.
Canada has a suite of safeguards that work together to systematically limit the risks
to animal and public health associated with BSE. These measures include import controls,
surveillance of the national cattle herd and the removal of potentially harmful tissues
from all animals slaughtered for human consumption. Of principal importance from an animal
health perspective is Canadas feed ban, which is designed to limit BSE spread and
eradicate the disease over time. Analysis of previous Canadian investigations and
surveillance results to date continue to indicate that Canadas feed ban is working
as intended to effectively reduce BSE risks to animal health through a robust compliance
and enforcement strategy. Our experiences related to the feed ban and finding cases born
after the feed ban are in keeping with other countries.
This detection is consistent with a low level of disease and does not indicate an
increased risk of BSE in Canada. Based on the guidelines and certification recommendations
of the World Organization for Animal Health, this finding should not affect Canadas
ability to export live animals, beef and beef products. Canada has notified its key
trading partners, including the United States. Since May 2003, Canada has clearly stated
the possibility of finding a small number of additional BSE cases. This international
dialogue will continue as Canadian officials work closely with their international
counterparts to ensure the facts and supporting science of this case are shared in an open
and timely manner.
As the investigation progresses, the CFIA will provide Canadians with regular updates.
Information will be posted to the CFIAs Website as it becomes available.
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For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: (613) 228-6682
Main Page - BSE in
North America
