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 bovine tuberculosis
Caused by a sneaky ‘bacterial ninja,’ bovine TB is a disease with few symptoms, but important consequences
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
When it comes to bovine TB, a closed herd is a safer herd
Bovine tuberculosis usually isn’t discovered until an animal reaches the packing plant
Reading Time: 2 minutes Initial symptoms for bovine tuberculosis can be “quite vague” and hard to spot. “The general symptoms for an animal infected are depression, lethargy, and chronic weight loss,” said Dr. Cody Creelman, who works at Veterinary Agri-Health Services in Airdrie. “You may or may not see a fever, and as it progresses and gets quite severe, […] Read more
Ranches in southeast hit hard after TB discovered
At least 30 ranches under quarantine after a cow from the Jenner-Suffield area was found to have bovine tuberculosis
Reading Time: 2 minutes At least 30 ranches in southeastern Alberta are under quarantine by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency after a cow from the area was found to have bovine tuberculosis. The finding has so far led to three premises in the province’s southeast being declared infected, as the lone confirmed infected animal’s home (index) herd is based […] Read more
Alberta Beef Producers call for TB financial support
With cattle under quarantine in parts of Alberta after a TB case was discovered in an animal from that province at a U.S. slaughter facility, the bills are starting to stack up. Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) recently said in an online publication that a significant number of herds have been quarantined and the producers notified. […] Read more
VIDO to develop vaccines against TB and Johne’s
Reading Time: < 1 minute The hunt is on for new vaccines that would protect cattle and bison against bovine TB and Johne’s disease. The Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) has developed a number of vaccines since its founding 40 years ago. The University of Saskatchewan-based centre has now been given $2.9 million from Genome Canada […] Read more