Bovine Tuberculosis In British Columbia

CANADA - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is conducting an investigation to identify livestock that might have been exposed to bovine tuberculosis (TB) through an infected bull that spent parts of its life on a farm in British Columbia and another farm in Alberta.

12 November 2007

1 minute read

North America

Bovine tuberculosis is a disease caused by infection of cattle with Mycobacterium bovis, an organism which also can infect humans.

The CFIA is working with the farm operators in conducting the investigation. All animals determined to have been exposed to bovine TB will be ordered destroyed and compensation will be paid to the owners, as per the Health of Animals Act.

While Canada’s livestock herds are considered to be free from bovine TB, cases such as this one occur from time to time. Bovine TB is a reportable disease in Canada - all suspected cases must be reported to the CFIA. Whenever an infected herd is found, the CFIA institutes measures to contain and eradicate the outbreak. All infected animals and any exposed susceptible animals are immediately and humanely destroyed. This is the only proven way to eliminate the disease.

Bovine TB can infect all types of mammals including humans. Infection usually results from extended, close contact with an infected animal. If persons who may have been exposed to the disease are identified, the appropriate public health follow-up will be initiated.