Reading Time: < 1 minute The bovine tuberculosis investigation in southeastern Alberta is wrapping up. Six positive cases were found in one herd after TB was detected in September 2016. Since then about 800 culture results have all come back negative, Dr. Rick James-Davies (the CFIA official in charge of the investigation) said at Alberta Beef Producers’ recent AGM. Approximately […] Read more
Bovine tuberculosis investigation nearly complete
Feds announce tax support for cattle producers
Measures will assist those hit by bovine TB outbreak and in areas affected by drought
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta and Saskatchewan cattle producers affected by bovine TB outbreak in 2016 and this year will receive additional tax relief. Farmers who received compensation under the Health of Animals Act from livestock destroyed due to the bovine tuberculosis outbreak in 2016 and 2017 in Alberta and Saskatchewan are eligible for livestock tax deferral provisions. These allow them to defer a […] Read more
Update on the bovine tuberculosis situation
Reading Time: < 1 minute The number of bovine tuberculosis cases remains at six, but 44 premises and about 8,500 animals are still under quarantine. Thirty sites have been released from quarantine including low-risk trace-out feedlot cattle, fenceline contact herds, and some trace-out herds (the bulk of trace-out herds have been identified and tested). Preliminary laboratory testing of all current […] Read more
Cattle released from quarantine have a clean bill of health
‘Early’ release animals may be sold, commingled, and moved — and carry no higher risk than any other cattle
Reading Time: 2 minutes As the Canadian Food inspection Agency (CFIA) investigation into bovine tuberculosis progresses, so too does the status of the cattle involved. The majority of cattle operations identified as contact herds have completed the required testing and been released from quarantine without any restrictions. CFIA grants a full release from quarantine once the cattle have been […] Read more
The battle against TB is a ‘painful journey’ but worth the effort
There are several ways to improve bovine security, even in areas where wildlife may harbour the disease
Reading Time: 4 minutes The measures used to battle bovine tuberculosis are tough, but well worth it, says one of the vets in the line of defence. “Most of our focus is that it is a reportable disease and TB-free status is jealously guarded as a trade advantage to Canada,” Allan Preston, Manitoba’s bovine TB co-ordinator, said during a […] Read more
The lowdown on bovine tuberculosis
Caused by a sneaky ‘bacterial ninja,’ bovine TB is a disease with few symptoms, but important consequences
Reading Time: 3 minutes Despite the ongoing bovine tuberculosis situation in southeastern Alberta, many producers may not know some basic facts about the disease. “Bovine TB is caused by bacteria. Many types of mycobacteria exist, and many types of mycobacteria bovis exist,” Karin Schmid, beef production specialist with Alberta Beef Producers, said during a recent Beef Cattle Research Council […] Read more
The lowdown on how TB is managed
Webinar scheduled for March 2
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Beef Cattle Research Council is hosting a webinar on understanding bovine TB and how it is managed in Canada. The March 2 webinar will provide background information on bovine tuberculosis, including how the bacteria functions, how the disease spreads, and the testing process. Canada’s surveillance program, as well as some general biosecurity advice to […] Read more
TB testing to continue into January
Reading Time: < 1 minute As of Dec. 7, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed six cases of bovine TB. This number includes the cow that was confirmed to have the disease when it was slaughtered in the U.S. All confirmed cases are still from one infected herd located on 18 premises. Approximately 50 premises are under quarantine — […] Read more
Manitoba situation shows what Alberta may face
Manitoba’s drawn-out history with bovine tuberculosis suggests there’s a long road ahead to control TB
Reading Time: 3 minutes As Alberta begins to feel the repercussions of a confirmed case of bovine tuberculosis, Manitoba looks to close its nearly two-decade-long chapter with live animal TB testing. “As we witness what is happening in Alberta, it really shows how quickly this can take place and how fast it can affect the entire province. We certainly […] Read more
Compensation promised for ranches under TB quarantine
Ottawa promises financial help while Alberta Beef Producers trying to arrange for feedlots to take in calves
Reading Time: 5 minutes Beleaguered ranchers with quarantined herds are getting some relief as the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has approved a beef industry plan to allow calves to be sent to feedlots. “We’re working with the CFIA on the conditions and requirements,” said Rich Smith, executive director of Alberta Beef Producers. “Obviously, it would be hard to get […] Read more
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