By Charles Lefebvre

CFIA completes testing of herds for bovine tuberculosis

Jan 16, 2018 | 4:00 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) says the end is in sight for the ongoing investigation into bovine tuberculosis in southern Alberta.

The agency completed the testing of 71 trace-in herds in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba before Christmas, and have gradually started releasing the herds from quarantine.

Of the 71 herds tested, 61 have been released from quarantine. The agency is waiting for lab results on the remaining herds. Trace-in herds are are ones which sent animals to the initial infected herd near Jenner within the last five years.

“So far, the only place that we have detected tuberculosis was on the original farm where the original animal came from,” said Dr. Rick James-Davies with the CFIA, who noted a total of six animals were found with the disease.

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“We looked anywhere where the disease might have gone, we look at any neighbouring animals that may have had fence line contact, and we’ve been on all of the farms that may have supplied animals, and so far, there have been no confirmed positives.”

More than 50,000 animals have been tested since the disease was first detected in September 2016.

James-Davies adds the agency is optimistic the remaining herds will be released from quarantine by February.

“We’re guardedly optimistic that we found it early enough, and there has been no spread at all,” he said.

More than 11,000 cattle have been destroyed since the investigation began, with compensation pid to the ranchers.

Once the remaining herds are released, the CFIA will begin a report into the outbreak. James-Davies says the report will likely be released this spring.