CFIA Trace 1000 Animals Exposed to TB

CANADA - The CFIA have concluded that a possible 1,000 animals could have been exposed to bovine tuberculosis after being traced into possible contact with an infected bull.

30 January 2008

2 minute read

North America

According to the government of Canada's news centre, there have been no additional confirmed cases of bovine TB among the exposed animals that have been inspected and tested as part of the investigation.

All of the animals of interest are being traced to determine their whereabouts and assess their exposure to bovine TB and all those exposed animals that are still alive are being ordered destroyed and inspected and tested for the disease. There is currently no definitive test for bovine TB in live animals. Confirmatory testing requires a visual inspection of an animal’s tissues followed up with laboratory testing.

The farm in British Columbia where the infected bull resided remains under quarantine. All cattle on this farm have been slaughtered and inspected for signs of disease. Arrangements are being made to destroy and inspect all remaining exposed, susceptible animals on this farm. Following the removal of these animals, the premises will undergo cleaning and disinfection.

The CFIA’s investigation determined that the infected bull had been sold to the BC farm directly from its birth herd in Alberta at approximately one year of age. Intensive investigation and testing on this Alberta farm has found no evidence of bovine TB and the quarantine on the farm has been removed.

The CFIA recognizes that disease investigations such as this one can present hardships for farm operators and appreciates the cooperation received to date. The Agency is endeavouring to remove quarantine restrictions as quickly as possible without compromising disease control. Animal owners are eligible to receive compensation, as per the Health of Animals Act for animals ordered destroyed as part of this investigation.

While Canada’s livestock herds are considered to be free from bovine TB, isolated cases such as this one can occur during the final stages of TB eradication. 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 aggressive measures to contain and eradicate the disease. These measures are designed to protect public and animal health and help maintain Canada’s bovine TB free status under the criteria established by the World Organization for Animal Health.

Bovine TB can infect all types of mammals including humans. Infection usually results from extended, close contact with an infected animal. When bovine TB is found in livestock, public health officials are notified so they can undertake the appropriate human health follow-up.