Canadian Food Inspection Agency has quarantined about 30 ranches in southeast Alberta

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has quarantined about 30 ranches in southeast Alberta after a case of bovine tuberculosis was detected in a Canadian cow slaughtered in the United States.In late September, the USDA notified the CFIA that a case of Bovine TB had been detected in a cow from Alberta when it was slaughtered in the United States.The CFIA has initiated an investigation and is working with provincial agriculture and health authorities. CFIA veterinarians and inspectors are contacting  cattle producers in the area near that cow’s origin.  Tracing work is underway to identify animals that may have been exposed to Bovine TB at individual premises and/or the Buffalo-Atlee and Suffield Block community pastures, according to a statement on the CFIA website.Canadian media reports said 30 ranches had been quarantined.Cattle movementIn a note to Canadian ranchers, CFIA stated that only premises that have been placed under quarantine are prevented from moving animals without permission. Producers in the general investigation area that have not been contacted by the CFIA are allowed to move animals (including sending cattle to auction markets and feed lots) but must comply with livestock identification requirements. Premises that are under quarantine must not move any animals without permission from the CFIA.As the disease investigation proceeds, additional premises may need to be quarantined while cattle are tested for Bovine TB, CFIA warned ranchers.Bovine TB is a reportable disease in Canada and has been subject to a mandatory national eradication program since 1923. While Canada is considered to be officially free of Bovine TB today, isolated cases may occur. This finding does not affect Canada's current status with all provinces considered to be Bovine TB-free as per the criteria established in the Health of Animals Regulations, according to CFIA.ContagionBovine TB is a contagious disease. Animals usually acquire the disease by inhaling or ingesting the organism. While Bovine TB primarily affects ruminants (cattle, bison, elk, deer, goats, and sheep); it can affect all types of mammals, including humans.Generally, findings of Bovine TB do not pose a threat to public health in Canada. This is due to the extremely low prevalence of the disease in Canada. However, individuals who have extended, close contact with an infected animal while it is alive are at risk of contracting the disease. Anyone who was in close contact with animals confirmed to have the disease is advised to contact their physician and/or local health authority.Bovine TB affects wildlife mammals, which may transmit the disease to back to livestock.Although the CFIA does not have a program specifically designed to control disease in wildlife populations, the CFIA collaborates with other involved agencies (e.g. Provincial authorities, Parks Canada) to conduct wildlife surveillance in the vicinity of an infected livestock herd.