HealthLink: Confirmed Case of BSE & USDA Announcement to reopen border
On January 2, 2005, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed that an older dairy cow from Alberta has tested positive for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The infected animal was born in 1996, prior to the introduction of the 1997 feed ban. It is suspected that the animal became infected by contaminated feed before the feed ban. No part of the animal entered the human food or animal feed systems.
This finding does not indicate an increased risk to food safety. Canada requires the removal of specified risk material (SRM) from all animals entering the human food supply. SRM are tissues that, in infected cattle, contain the BSE agent. This measure is internationally recognized as the most effective means to protect public health from BSE.
The infected animal was detected through the recently enhanced national surveillance program, established in 1992. Surveillance testing measures the prevalence of the disease in the cattle population to determine if the measures in place to control the disease are working. The program seeks out and tests animals most at risk (i.e. older animals that are sick or dying). Meat from these animals does not enter the food supply. Canadian testing has surpassed the level recommended by the Office International des Epizooties (the world scientific reference body for animal health).
BSE testing is sometimes confused as a food safety measure. Canada’s meat inspection system ensures beef’s safety and the removal of SRM protects consumers from BSE.
CFIA is continuing its investigation and has determined the infected animal's farm of origin. Efforts are now underway to identify any other animals of similar risk. The Agency has also launched a feed investigation to examine what the infected animal was fed early in its life, when infection was most likely to have occurred prior to the 1997 feed ban.
Announcement to Re-open the Border
CFIA had announced on Dec 30 that preliminary tests indicated an animal might be positive for BSE. The release of the preliminary tests coincided with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announcement to re-open the border to live cattle under 30 months of age and to an expanded list of beef products.
As stated in the United States Department of Agriculture press release of December 30th, 2004, the United States indicated that diagnosis of another case of BSE in Canada would not alter the implementation of its rule to resume trade with Canada. The U.S. rule is based on Canada being a minimal risk region. Another case of BSE will not change that risk status.
Consumer Tip:
A Canadian consumer friendly web site www.bseinfo.ca offers science-based information about BSE and the systems in place to ensure the safety of Canadian beef. This site draws its content from the Government of Canada websites, with links to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
HealthLink is an e-mail newsletter from the team of registered dietitians at the Beef Information Centre: a non-profit organization committed to provide credible and timely information. Please share it with colleagues.
Visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for more information on
Canada’s surveillance system.
confirmed case and investigations.
Canadian Cattlemen's Association.
on the USDA – APHIS website.
Final Rule on BSE and Minimal-Risk Regions.
BSEinfo.ca