Two Additional Cases of BSE Detected in Canada

In July 2006, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed two additional 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 either of these cows entered the human or animal feed system. CFIA is conducting a comprehensive investigation of both of these cases of BSE. The investigation includes identification of the birth farms, identifying herd mates and the feed used, locating any offspring of the infected cows, and in the case of the 50 month old dairy cow, identifying other cattle born on the premises within 12 months before or after the birth of the infected cow. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) staff has been invited by CIFA to participate in these investigational efforts.

For more information about BSE in Canada, see the Canada Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website.