Bovine TB detected in Alberta

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched an investigation into a case of bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) in an animal originating from Saskatchewan that was slaughtered at a federally registered abattoir in Alberta.

On Nov. 29, CFIA Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield found that tissues collected from a six-year-old cow at slaughter in a federally registered facility in Alberta had a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for bovine tuberculosis.

Working with the information in the Canadian Livestock Traceability System, the CFIA identified a herd in Saskatchewan as the herd of origin of the infected animal. This herd has been placed under quarantine until testing can be completed.

The timing of testing will be determined after discussions with the producer to manage the operational impact of the process.

Bovine TB is a reportable disease in Canada and has been subject to a mandatory national eradication program since 1923. While all areas of Canada are considered to be officially free of bovine TB today, isolated cases in cattle may occur.

Generally, bovine TB does not pose a threat to public health in Canada because of the extremely low prevalence of the disease, the abattoir surveillance and testing programs in place, and practices such as pasteurization of milk.

During a bovine TB investigation, quarantines and movement restrictions are placed on any implicated animals. Testing and, humane destruction through slaughter are carried out as required.

The CFIA said it is in the very early stages of its investigation. This involves identifying all herds that came in contact with the infected animal during its life. The CFIA has also begun laboratory testing to identify the strain of the bacterium as this may inform if there are connections to previous cases. This process can take up to 12 weeks to complete.

Producers are eligible for compensation for any animals ordered destroyed by the CFIA as part of this investigation.

All areas of Canada have been considered officially bovine TB-free in its farmed bovine and cervid species since 2006.