Approximately 45 premises remain under quarantine, according to CFIA update
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency lifted quarantines on six Alberta cattle ranches after an outbreak of bovine tuberculosis in Western Canada started in September.
But Dr. Harpreet Kochhar, Canada’s Chief Veterinarian, told reporters on Wednesday that approximately 45 premises remain under quarantine, including five in Saskatchewan.
About 26,000 animals remain under quarantine. On-farm testing could be completed by January, Kochhar said.
The last round of reactor animals (those that tested positive for bovine TB on-farm) have been slaughtered and showed no signs of the disease. Kochhar said it’s a step in the right direction, but more testing needs to be done.
“This is encouraging but is not confirmation that the animal does not have bovine TB,” he told reporters. “Confirmation that an animal does not have TB can only be provided by confirmed negative results of a (post-mortem) culture test.”
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) participated in the bovine TB update to reveal new information with regard to financial support.
“On November 30, the government of Canada and province of Alberta committed to providing financial assistance to help producers deal with the extraordinary costs they are facing…,” said AAFC director Rosser Lloyd. “Up to $16.7 million is currently available.”
Lloyd said the funding can help producers with feed costs, transportation and cleaning.
It’s unclear if producers will see any assistance before Christmas.
That money is separate from assistance given through the CFIA’s Health of Animals Act.
Under the CFIA regulation, producers can receive up to $4,500 for non-registered cattle and $10,000 for registered cattle.
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