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ALBERTA COW TESTS POSITIVE FOR BSE

OTTAWA, July 13, 2006 - 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.

With a view to accelerating the eradication of BSE from Canada, the CFIA announced on June 26, 2006, further enhancements to prevent specified risk material (SRM) from entering the animal feed system, pet food and fertilizers. SRM are tissues known to contain concentrated levels of the BSE agent in infected cattle. These tissues have been removed from all cattle slaughtered for human consumption since 2003. This key public health protection is internationally recognized as the most effective way to protect the safety of food from BSE.

This animal, along with all previous cases, was detected through the national surveillance program, which targets the highest risk animal populations. The program is intended to establish the prevalence of the disease and continues to indicate that only a very low level of BSE is present in the national cattle herd. Canada has monitored its cattle for BSE since 1991. Starting in 2003, the number of animals annually tested sharply increased. During the same period, the CFIA, provinces and industry have collaborated to promote awareness and encourage reporting of potential BSE cases, which is an important factor in domestic and international confidence.

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.

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For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: (613) 228-6682

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