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No new cases of bovine tuberculosis in region, says CFIA

Feb 3, 2017 | 4:03 PM

OTTAWA — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says some of the ranches in Alberta and Saskatchewan affected by an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis could have some good news coming soon.

During a technical update from Ottawa Friday afternoon, Dr. Harpeet Kochkar, the country’s Chief Veterinary Officer said testing has shown no new cases of the disease since the outbreak began last year. Six cattle have tested positive for the disease, all from a ranch near Jenner, and Kochkar says the CFIA will begin testing to trace the source of the disease.

“I want to be clear that this path forward is only possible as long as no new cases of tuberculosis are identified,” he said. “While there is a strong evidence there could have been a high risk of disease spread, the initial test results are showing a more encouraging outcome.”

The outbreak has affected more than 50 ranches in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and Kochhar said the investigation into the disease has determined there is a “low risk” of it spreading to other ranches.

Although the ranches still remain under quarantine, the CFIA said some of the ranches with a low risk of having the disease can begin testing and disinfecting their facilities. Once CFIA inspects and approves, the ranches can begin restocking and moving cattle.

More than 20,000 cattle have been humanely slaughtered during the outbreak, Kochhar said, noting mature cattle made up half of the total. He added the tracing of the source in the Jenner-area ranch will likely continue later in the year, because calving season is underway in Western Canada.

The briefing also noted 39 of the 41 applications received for rancher aid have been approved, and has generated more than $3 million in payment to assist with costs related to the outbreak. Ranchers in the affected area are encouraged to apply for aid.