Canada Reports 14th Case of Mad Cow Disease
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in a six-year-old beef cow from Alberta. No part of the animal’s carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.
It is the 14th case of BSE or Mad Cow Disease in Canada.
The animal’s birth farm has been identified, and an investigation is underway. The CFIA is tracing the animal's herdmates at the time of birth and examining possible sources of infection. The age and location of the infected animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada.
Two weeks ago we reported on the investigative findings into Canada's 12th Mad Cow. See Canada links 12th case of mad cow to infected feed. We have not heard any findings on the 13th Mad Cow discovered in June.
The 14th case was detected through Canada's BSE surveillance program, which has been highly successful in demonstrating the low level of BSE in Canada. The program continues to play an important role in Canada’s strategy to manage BSE.
Canada remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE, as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). Accordingly, this case should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef.
