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##################### Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy #####################
Latest Information (as of January 11, 2005 - 14:00 EST)
*
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) today announced that
Canada's national surveillance program has detected bovine
spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an Alberta beef cow
just under seven years of age. As part of its surveillance
program, the CFIA has control of the carcass. No part of the
animal has entered the human food or animal feed systems.
*
The CFIA is investigating what the animal may have been fed early
in its life and the source of the feed. The infected animal was
born in March 1998, and the farm of origin has been confirmed.
Based on preliminary information, feed produced prior to the
introduction of the 1997 feed ban in Canada remains the most
likely source of infection in this animal.
*
This current investigation is independent of the BSE investigation
on the case which was confirmed on January 2, 2005.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/heasan/disemala/bseesb/situatione.shtml
NEW CASE OF BSE DETECTED
OTTAWA, January 11, 2005 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
today announced that Canada's national surveillance program has detected
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in an Alberta beef cow just under
seven years of age. As part of its surveillance program, the CFIA has
control of the carcass. No part of the animal has entered the human food
or animal feed systems.
Public health remains protected through the removal of specified risk
material (SRM) from all animals slaughtered for human food. SRM are
tissues that, in infected animals, contain the BSE agent. This measure
is internationally recognized as the most effective public health
measure against BSE.
The CFIA is investigating what the animal may have been fed early in its
life and the source of the feed. The infected animal was born in March
1998, and the farm of origin has been confirmed. Based on preliminary
information, feed produced prior to the introduction of the 1997 feed
ban in Canada remains the most likely source of infection in this animal.
The infected animal was detected through the recently enhanced national
surveillance program. Additional cases may be found as testing of
high-risk cattle continues. In 2004, the Government of Canada tested
over 22,000 animals.
Canada's science-based BSE safeguards to protect public and animal
health have been designed with the understanding that BSE is potentially
present in a small and declining number of animals. This includes
animals born before and shortly after the 1997 feed ban. The Government
of Canada continues to believe that the ruminant to ruminant feed ban
introduced in 1997 has limited the spread of BSE and remains effective
Initial testing on the animal was conducted by Alberta authorities.
Results were inconclusive and samples were then sent to the Canadian
Science Centre for Human and Animal Health in Winnipeg. The definitive
diagnosis was made today using the internationally recognized "gold
standard" test for BSE.
Since the surveillance program was enhanced in January 2004, Canada has
tested more than 24,000 high-risk cattle. This targeted approach has
detected an additional two BSE positive cattle. These findings
demonstrate the shared commitment of cattle producers, industry and
governments to responsibly search for any remaining cases of BSE.
This current investigation is independent of the BSE investigation on
the case which was confirmed on January 2, 2005.
The CFIA will hold a news conference today, January 11, 2005, at 2:00
EST. A media advisory has been issued.
-30-
For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
(613) 228-6682
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/corpaffr/newcom/2005/20050111e.shtml
TSS
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