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Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Latest Information
Latest Information (as of September 29, 2006 - 11:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is implementing a revised protocol for the
ongoing reporting of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada as BSE is eradicated
from the national cattle herd.
Latest Information (as of August 24, 2006 - 22:00 EST)
Latest Information (as of August 23, 2006 - 12:00 EST)
- Bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) was today confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
in a mature beef cow from Alberta. No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human
food or animal feed systems.
- Preliminary information provided by the owner and an examination conducted by a private
veterinarian estimate the animal’s age was between eight and ten years of age. Based
on this range, exposure to the BSE agent likely occurred either before the feed ban’s
introduction or during its early implementation.
- A CFIA investigation is underway to locate the positive animal’s birth farm.
- As has been done previously, the CFIA will conduct a complete epidemiological review of
this case, the results of which will be made public.
Latest Information (as of August 8, 2006 - 15:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has concluded its epidemiological
investigation of the case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) confirmed on July 3,
2006 in a cow from Manitoba. No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food
or animal feed chains.
Latest Information (as of July 13, 2006 - 15:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) in a 50-month-old dairy cow from Alberta. The animal was first
reported on Monday, July 10, based on preliminary test results. The entire carcass has
been incinerated and did not enter the human or animal feed systems.
- The CFIA has located the birth farm, and investigators are tracing other cattle born on
the premises within 12 months before or after the birth of the affected animal.
- Given its age, the affected animal was exposed to BSE after the 1997 implementation of
Canada’s feed ban. This scenario, as well as the animal’s age, is consistent
with the experiences of most countries reporting cases of BSE. Nonetheless, a full
accounting and determination of how this animal was exposed to BSE will be the primary
focus of the CFIA’s investigation. The CFIA has extended an invitation to American
animal health officials to participate in this effort.
- The CFIA continues to receive excellent cooperation from the owner of the affected
animal and the Province of Alberta. Information obtained through the investigation will be
posted to the CFIA’s website as details become available.
Latest Information (as of July 10, 2006 - 13:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently conducting confirmatory
testing at the National Reference Laboratory in Winnipeg of samples from a cow from
Alberta suspected of having bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Preliminary screening
tests were not able to rule out BSE. Therefore, consistent with established CFIA protocol,
additional analysis is underway.
- The animal, reported to be a 50-month old dairy cow, died and was retained on farm. No
part of the carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems, and the entire carcass
has been placed under control.
- The CFIA has launched an investigation to collect additional information about the
affected animal. In addition, the CFIA will identify other animals of equivalent risk,
namely cattle born on the same farm within 12 months before and after the affected animal.
Any live animals found from this group will be segregated and tested.
- As testing and the investigation progress, the CFIA will provide Canadians and trading
partners with regular updates. Information will be posted to the CFIA's Website as it
becomes available.
Latest Information (as of July 4, 2006 - 17:30 EST)
- Final test results have confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a mature
cross-bred beef cow from Manitoba.
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting a comprehensive investigation.
Officials have confirmed the animal was purchased by the owner as part of an assembled
group of cattle in 1992. This means that the animal was at least 15 years of age and would
have been born well before the 1997 introduction of Canada’s feed ban.
- As a priority, investigators are attempting to locate the birth farm, which will provide
the basis needed to identify the animal’s herdmates and feed to which it may have
been exposed at a young age. Given the animal’s age, investigative efforts may be
constrained by few surviving animals and limited sources of information, such as detailed
records. A calf born to the affected animal in 2004 is also being traced.
Latest Information (as of June 30, 2006 - 17:00 EST)
- Preliminary screening tests conducted by the Province of Manitoba and the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) have detected a potential case of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) in a mature cross-bred beef cow born well before the 1997
implementation of Canada’s feed ban.
- No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
Samples have been sent to the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg for
confirmatory testing. Final results are expected next week.
Latest Information (as of June 29, 2006 - 14:00 EST)
- Canada is opening its border to a broader range of animals and animal products from the
United States, which were suspended following the confirmation of bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) in Washington State in 2003.
- Effective immediately, all classes of U.S. cattle, including those for breeding purposes
born after 1999, are eligible for entry based on prescribed certification requirements. As
well, beef from cattle over 30 months of age will also be eligible for importation under
certain conditions.
- Prohibitions on certain U.S. commodities are being maintained to prevent the importation
of high-risk products, such as specified risk materials (SRM) or products containing these
materials. SRM are those tissues known to have the potential to harbour BSE infectivity.
These import controls provide continued protection of human and animal health from BSE and
are reflective of the most recent international standards for BSE of the World
Organization for Animal Health.
Latest Information (as of June 26, 2006 - 15:00 EST)
- The Government is enhancing the feed ban to significantly accelerate the eradication of BSE
from the national cattle herd. The parts of cattle that can spread BSE—specified risk
materials (SRM)—are being removed from all feeds, pet food and fertilizer. This will
remove more than 99% of potential infectivity from the animal feed supply.
- The measures will be introduced over the course of a 12-month phase-in period, with
additional provisions for small establishments to achieve full compliance. During that
time, an awareness campaign will be undertaken to ensure that all regulated parties are
fully aware of their responsibilities
Latest Information (as of June 16, 2006 - 14:00 EST)
Latest Information (as of May 8, 2006 - 16:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has tested 12 cattle potentially exposed to
the same feed as the affected animal. All tests were negative.
- The remaining 11 cattle from the feed cohort are being evaluated for compensation
purposes and will be tested shortly.
- The investigation of animals of interest has been concluded. This includes 146 cattle
from the affected animal’s feed cohort and its two most recently born offspring.
- Of these groups, 74 cattle had previously died, 34 cattle were deemed untraceable due to
lack of information, 23 live cattle were located and 15 cattle were exported to the United
States. Thirty-four untraceable animals out of 146 is not an unusual rate for
investigations of this type.
- The findings of the feed investigation are being reviewed and will be posted to the CFIA’s
Web site in a final report.
Latest Information (as of April 28, 2006 - 16:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has identified 23 live cattle potentially
exposed to the same feed as the affected animal. These animals have been quarantined and
will be tested.
- Investigators continue to trace other animals from the feed cohort. To date, a number of
animals from this group are known to have been exported to the United States.
- Exported animals were also identified during investigations conducted in 2003 and 2005,
which is not surprising, considering the regular cross-border movement of cattle prior to
the first detection of BSE in this part of the world.
- As was done during previous investigations, Canadian and American authorities are
collaborating fully to trace these animals.
- Finding additional cases of BSE in a feed cohort is unlikely. Nonetheless, efforts to
locate all animals from this group will be carried out to the fullest extent possible.
- Consistent with international BSE guidelines, the affected animal’s two most
recently born offspring are of interest to this investigation. One of these calves is
known to have previously died. The disposition of the other calf remains under
investigation.
- As part of the feed investigation, the CFIA is examining opportunities for contamination
that may have been present during the manufacture, transportation and storage of feeds and
feed ingredients.
Latest Information (as of April 25, 2006 - 15:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) continues to trace cattle that may have been
exposed to the same feed as the affected animal.
- To date, 19 animals have been located and will be tested in the coming days. Based on
international experience and previous North American investigations, finding additional
cases of BSE in these animals is unlikely.
- Following the recommendations of the World Organization for Animal Health, investigators
are also tracing the affected animal’s most recently born offspring.
- The CFIA has identified a number of feed sources used on the affected animal’s
birth farm. The formulation, production, transportation and storage of these feeds are
under review.
Latest Information (as of April 16, 2006 - 15:00 EST)
- Testing at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg has confirmed bovine spongiform
encephalopathy in a cow from British Columbia. No part of this animal entered the
human food or animal feed systems.
- The CFIA is also conducting a thorough examination of potential sources of infection.
Investigators will pay particular attention to the feed to which the animal may have been
exposed early in its life, when cattle are most susceptible to BSE.
Latest Information (as of April 13, 2006 - 12:00 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is currently conducting confirmatory
testing of samples from a cow from British Columbia suspected of having bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).
- No part of the animal-an approximately six-year-old dairy cow-entered the human food or
animal feed systems, and the entire carcass has been placed under control.
- This case, if positive, has no bearing on the safety of Canadian beef. Canada has a
suite of internationally recognized safeguards that work together to provide high levels
of human and animal health protection.
- Final testing is now underway and will be completed over the holiday weekend.
Latest Information (as of March 3, 2006 - 13:30 EST)
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has concluded its investigation into the case
of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) confirmed on January 22, 2006. No additional
cases of the disease were detected during the investigation.
- A complete summary
of the investigation is available on the CFIA’s Website
Latest Information (as of February 17, 2006 - 13:30 EST)
- The CFIA's animal investigation is complete. A total of 156 cattle from the
affected animal’s birth cohort were identified and traced. All animals were accounted
for and no additional cases of BSE were detected.
- The feed investigation is nearing conclusion. A final analysis of records
collected at the farm, retail and mill levels is underway.
- In keeping with previous findings of BSE in Canada, the CFIA will prepare and publicly
release a report summarizing the full results of the investigation.
Latest Information (as of January 27, 2006 - 15:15 EST)
- Investigation into the birth cohort (animals born 12 months before or after) of the
affected animal (BSE Case 4) is ongoing. Earlier this week, 24 animals that still resided
on the birth farm tested negative for BSE . The trace-out of an additional 67 animals from
the birth cohort has now been completed. One of these 67 animals had previously tested
negative for BSE under the National BSE Surveillance Program. Any birth cohorts found to
be alive will be humanely euthanized and tested.
- The affected animal had two recently born offspring. A calf born in 2005 tested negative
for BSE earlier this week and the trace-out of the 2004 calf is on-going.
- This investigation continues to be a priority for the CFIA and we will continue to
provide updates when new information is available.
Latest Information (as of January 25, 2006 - 16:00 EST)
- The CFIA has tested 25 cattle from the affected animal’s birth farm (Case 4 -
Confirmed January 22, 2006). All animals tested negative for BSE. This group included 24
cattle born on the birth farm 12 months before or after the affected animal and a recently
born offspring of the affected animal.
- The CFIA is currently tracing the whereabouts and disposition of other animals of
interest.
- The feed investigation is progressing at the farm, retail and manufacturing levels. All
avenues are being examined thoroughly.
- The CFIA continues to receive excellent cooperation from the owner, industry and the
province of Alberta.
- All required resources are being directed toward the animal and feed investigations to
ensure they are completed as quickly and comprehensively as possible.
Latest Information (as of January 23, 2006 - 10:00 EST)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Canada’s
ability to export live animals, beef and beef products.
Latest Information (as of December 11, 2005 - 23:00 EST)
- The Government of Canada today announced
that Japan has agreed to reopen its border to Canadian beef and selected beef products
from cattle aged 20 months and younger.
- In addition to meeting the age requirement, beef products destined for Japan must be
processed in accordance with a range of conditions. Additional details are available
through regional CFIA offices.
Latest Information (as of December 9, 2005 - 16:00 EST)
Latest Information (as of September 1, 2005 - 10:00 EDST)
- On August 3, a Canadian animal was slaughtered in the United States that was about one
month over the 30-month age limit for export eligibility.
- The animal was not processed according to U.S. SRM removal procedures required for
animals over 30 months of age and the American company involved issued a food recall for
related products on August 19.
- The related CFIA investigation is now complete and we are taking remedial action on two
tracks. At this point, we have suspended the accreditation of the private veterinarian who
inspected the animal in question. Also, the CFIA will not issue any more export
certificates to the Canadian exporter who shipped the cow until further notice.
- Accredited private-sector veterinarians who act on behalf of the CFIA in this program
and exporters are being reminded that there will be zero tolerance by the CFIA for any
non-compliance with U.S. import requirements.
- We are exploring ways to minimize incidents of non-compliance in the future, including
enhancing the tools that we use to monitor the performance of accredited veterinarians in
fulfilling their important roles.
Latest Information (as of July 19, 2005 - 14:00 EDST)
- On July 18, 2005, Canadian
livestock began to cross the United States border for feeding and slaughter.
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is issuing export certificates for eligible
shipments of livestock to the U.S. subsequent to the recent court ruling that allows the
USDA to implement a new trade rule re-opening the border.
Latest Information (as of July 15, 2005 - 12:30 EDST)
- BSE Ruling in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Latest Information (as of July 9, 2005 - 08:30 EDST)
- Minister
of Agriculture and Agri-Food Andy Mitchell announced that New Zealand will lift their
remaining BSE-related restrictions on Canadian beef, effective immediately.
- New Zealand will remove the case-by-case assessment of Canadian bovine products
currently in place and arrange for immediate implementation of our equivalence decision
and the agreed certification for bovine products exported from Canada.
Latest Information (as of June 24, 2005 - 18:30 EDST)
- Despite the confirmation today of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a
cow in the United States, Canada remains confident that the food safety and animal health
measures that the U.S. Administration has in place to effectively manage the disease are
in line with the science-based international standards that provide protection to
consumers and livestock.
Latest Information (as of June 24, 2005 - 10:00 EDST)
- Canada has surpassed its testing target established for 2005 for bovine spongiform
encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance. The target for this year was 30,000 cattle and, as of
June 17, there have been 32,363 samples collected and tested through the provincial and
federal laboratory network in Canada.
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