The recent case of a BSE-positive cow found in Alberta has been traced back to a birth farm that produced another positive BSE case in 2010. In the case of that cow, the 17th detected in Canada, the animal was born in 2004, three years before the enhanced feed ban came into effect.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) held a technical briefing today, and outlined the on-going investigation to trace out from this 2015 finding to track its “birth cohort” — those animals born the year before, the year of, and the year after. The estimation right now is that amounts to nearly 750 animals.
Because both animals were born on the same farm, CFIA is expanding its trace out to include all animals born between the 2004-born cow and 2009-born cow. This is deemed the “feed cohort,” as feed is still considered the most likely source of infection. The investigation will focus on whether or not non-ruminant feed was fed to ruminants by mistake or contamination, but will also seek to answer if non-compliance of the enhanced feed ban occurred.
Also announced in the briefing was the news that China had temporarily suspended beef and beef products from Canada. In 2014, China’s imports totaled approximately 6,830 tonnes for a value of $40million.
Related:
- Alberta Beef Industry Conference: CFIA Update on BSE Case, CCA Response
- Beef Market Update: Tight Supply Support, Consumer Buying Power and Rational Responses to BSE
- CFIA Investigation Unveils Birthdate of Alberta BSE Case
