Investigations continue into a case of bovine tuberculosis tracked to a farm at Vanderhoof, B.C.
A Charolais bull was diagnosed with tuberculosis lesions at a slaughterhouse in Quebec.
The bull was part of a herd that was dispersed through the Innisfail, Alta., auction market last summer and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has quarantined 28 farms that received cattle from that sale.
Animals that came into contact with the bull and its herd mates are to be slaughtered and tested. The owners will be compensated. About 470 animals are involved.
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Investigators relied on sale records to track the movement of the animals and since they all had individual identification ear tags, the cattle were found and separated easily, said Rob McNabb of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association.
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease and has been largely eradicated from Canada with the exception of isolated cases in Manitoba.
“It should not cause any concern for trade,” he said.
However, as of Nov. 7, North Dakota’s state board of health required testing and vaccination before entering the state.
Washington and Montana may make similar requests.
“This is over and above United States Department of Agriculture requirements,” McNabb said.
North Dakota rules require all female cattle older than 12 months to have brucellosis vaccinations.
As well, all cattle and bison older than 18 months must test negative for brucellosis 30 days before they cross the border and all animals 60 days of age or older must have a negative test for tuberculosis within 60 days of entering the U.S.
Nursing calves accompanying negative cows are exempt. Trichomoniasis testing is required for Canadian bulls.
Under the USDA rule to allow older cattle and bison imports as of Nov. 19, tuberculosis and brucellosis testing is not required except for Manitoba animals.
