Additional Case of BSE Detected in Canada

On August 23, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) was confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in a mature beef cow from Alberta. The cow’s estimated 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. This is the ninth case of BSE identified in Canada.

In July 2006, the CFIA confirmed two cases of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). On July 4, 2006 the CFIA confirmed BSE in a beef cow from Manitoba. This animal was at least 15 years of age and was born before the Canadian 1997 feed ban. A second case of BSE was confirmed by CFIA on July 13, 2006. This case occurred in a 50-month old dairy cow from Alberta. Based on its age, this cow was exposed to BSE after the 1997 feed ban was put into place.

No part of these cows entered the human or animal feed system. When a case of BSE is identified, CFIA conducts a comprehensive investigation including identification of the birth farm, herd mates, feed used, and any potential routes of BSE exposure.

For current information about these investigations and BSE in Canada, see the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website.