The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched an investigation into a case of bovine tuberculosis in an animal originating from the Pembina Valley in Manitoba. It was slaughtered at a federally registered abattoir in Manitoba.
According to the CFIA, Bovine TB is a reportable disease in Canada and has been subject to a mandatory national eradication program since 1923. While all areas of Canada are considered to be officially free of bovine TB today, isolated cases in cattle may occur.
Culture testing by the CFIA Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield found Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in tissues collected from a 7-year-old cow at a federally registered slaughter facility in Manitoba on June 9th. On June 13, the presence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) was confirmed.
Using DairyTrace system, the CFIA was able to identify the herd of origin of the infected animal. This herd has been placed under quarantine until testing and depopulation can be completed. The CFIA says the timing of testing will be determined after discussions with the producer to manage the operational impact of the process, adding testing and humane destruction through slaughter are carried out as required.
The CFIA is continuing to work closely with producers, industry associations, and provincial and federal agricultural and health authorities throughout the investigation. The common goal, noted the agency, is to protect human health, the health of Canadian livestock and, in the process, maintain market access, adding this investigation will support international market access for Canada's dairy and beef sectors.
Investigation updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
No public health risk
Meantime, the CFIA says bovine TB does not pose a threat to public health in Canada and human cases are rare.
Exposure can occur through the passage of fluids from an infected animal to an open skin sore, extended close contact with an animal with active respiratory TB or consuming raw or unpasteurized animal products (such as unpasteurized milk) from an infected animal. Pasteurized milk and milk products are safe to consume.
Compensation and financial assistance
Producers are eligible for compensation for any animals ordered destroyed by the CFIA as part of this investigation.
In addition, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, there is a suite of business risk management (BRM) programs available, including AgriInvest and AgriStability, to help producers manage risk due to severe market volatility and disaster situations that are largely beyond their capacity to manage. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is the lead federal department for these programs.