No new cases of bovine tuberculosis in region, says CFIA
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.