Canada bovine TB investigation expands: More than 35 Canadian livestock premises under quarantine

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced more than 35 premises in Alberta and Saskatchewan are under investigation and movement controls in connection to a bovine tuberculosis case from late September.  CFIA stated that, as of Nov. 23, there have been six confirmed cases of bovine TB, including the original cow from Alberta that was confirmed with the disease by USDA when the cow was slaughtered in the U.S. CFIA's has been investigating the case and others, and is working with provincial agriculture and health authorities.  "So far, all confirmed cases are from the one infected herd which is located on three premises. All adult animals from this herd have been tested and the removal and humane destruction of these animals is continuing," CFIA said in a press release. "There are currently over 35 premises under quarantine and movement controls: most of these are located in Alberta, with fewer than five located in Saskatchewan. These numbers will change as the investigation continues."  CFIA added that the strain of TB identified in the first confirmed case is closely related to a strain originating from cattle in Central Mexico in 1997.