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Additional Diagnosis of BSE Not Unexpected |
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Written by Wire Services
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Monday, 23 January 2006 |
The Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) commented today that confirmation of BSE in an Alberta cow is not unexpected. It has been recognized by animal health authorities in Canada, the United States and around the world that a few additional cases of BSE would likely be detected by Canada's surveillance system. Countries that have reopened to Canadian beef and live cattle have done so recognizing that a few additional cases of BSE would likely be diagnosed and this latest case should not affect access to those markets.
"I'd like to compliment Canadian cattle producers for actively participating in Canada's surveillance program," says Stan Eby, President of the CCA. "This latest diagnosis is proof that the system is working. The incidence of BSE in the Canadian cattle herd remains extremely low and continues to decline due to intervention measures such as the ruminant-to- ruminant feed ban. I look forward to the day when we can declare Canada free of BSE."
Last year Canadian cattle producers presented over 57,000 animals for testing. The target for 2005 had been 30,000 animals. The purpose of the surveillance program is to measure the level of BSE in the Canadian cattle herd. Other measures, such as removal of specified risk materials from all cattle slaughter, ensure food safety.
While the animal was born after the introduction of the feed ban, almost every country with BSE has found and continues to find a few cases born after the introduction of feed controls.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed earlier today that a six-year-old cow from Alberta has tested positive for mad cow disease but the public is being assured that no parts of the infected animal had been processed for human consumption. |
