Enhanced Health Protection from BSE

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), commonly known as mad cow disease is spread when cattle consume feed products contaminated with proteins from infected animals.

In infected cattle, BSE concentrates in certain tissues known as specified risk material (SRM). As a public health protection, these tissues are removed from all cattle slaughtered for human consumption. To prevent BSE spread among cattle, the Government of Canada banned most proteins, including SRM, from cattle feed in 1997. Since July 12, 2007, SRM have also been banned from all other animal feeds, pet foods and fertilizers.

Removing SRM from the entire animal feed system addresses the risks associated with the potential contamination of cattle feed during production, distribution, storage or use. Applying the same measure to pet food and fertilizer materials addresses the possible potential exposure of cattle and other susceptible animals to these products.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requires that SRM be identified and appropriately managed until disposal. Permits are required for anyone handling, transporting or disposing of SRM, including:

• cattle producers;
• abattoirs;
• renderers;
• fertilizer, pet food and feed manufacturers;
• waste management facilities; and
• transporters.

This broad-based system maintains continuous control over SRM until it no longer poses risks to animal health. With opportunities for BSE spread minimized, Canada is accelerating its progress toward the eventual eradication of the disease from the national cattle herd.

For information about handling or disposing of SRM, contact the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342 or visit www.inspection.gc.ca/bse.