The investigation is expected to spread to Alberta because the British Columbia farm bought cattle from that province
Testing has begun on the herd mates of a British Columbia cow determined to have bovine tuberculosis.
The animal came from a ranch in the province’s southern interior with a herd of about 500 animals. Since the case was announced Nov. 19, three more herds in the region have been placed under quarantine as part of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency investigation, according to B.C. Cattlemen’s Association general manager Kevin Boon.
Initial testing is expected to provide the CFIA with more information on the rate of infection in the herd, if any, and set the pace for the rest of the investigation.
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“We know that we’re in for probably a couple years of investigation by the time they do all the trace-ins, trace-outs and stuff like that,” said Boon.
“I don’t think it will come to the extent, by any means, of what the Alberta case was in 2016, just because of the nature of the herd and their interaction with other animals. I think it will be simplified on that aspect, somewhat.”
The Alberta investigation led to discovery of six animals with bovine TB, and more than 11,500 cattle were slaughtered as part of the CFIA’s processes to eradicate TB when it is found.
The names of the affected B.C. ranchers have not been made public, but Boon said the index herd is a heritage operation that has been functioning for more than 100 years and four or five generations.
It appears likely that the entire herd will be destroyed, although that will depend on test results and the CFIA’s next steps.
Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Canada’s chief veterinary officer, told the House of Commons agriculture committee Dec. 4 that the number of animals affected remains to be determined.
“As of now there’s only one confirmed case of bovine TB,” said Komal.
“All animals on the infected premises will be tested for the disease.”
He said the discovery does not affect Canada’s current livestock health status in the international community, and in his talks with chief veterinarians from other countries he has heard “neutral or positive reaction” to news of the latest bovine TB case.
In response to questions from members of the agriculture committee, Komal said the CFIA learned many lessons from the 2016 Alberta event, including improved communications and early involvement of local and provincial cattle associations, the provincial government and other stakeholders.
“We are much ahead of the game this time,” he said.
The infected cow, discovered at slaughter in an Alberta processing plant, was quickly traced to its source herd through its ear tag. Komal said the CFIA is now checking the movement of that animal to identify other animals with which it came in direct contact.
Boon said the investigation is likely to involve producers and herds in Alberta.
“My understanding is they’ve bought a lot of their breeding stock, their bulls, out of Alberta, so there will be testing done in Alberta on some of those herds as well,” Boon said.
Compensation is available to producers whose cattle are killed as part of the investigation and eradication process. Komal also told the agriculture committee that mental health resources will be made available to producers if needed.
Although ranchers tend to be stoic and see themselves as indestructible, Boon said there is bound to be an emotional toll.
“I don’t care how tough you are. It’s way more than just the cattle. That’s their life. I can’t begin to imagine what it would feel like seeing that herd depopulated and watching that last cow go off the place. It would be heartbreaking.”
The index herd is a commercial operation, as opposed to purebreds raised for breeding stock.
Boon said many commercial cattle producers in the region retain replacement heifers because the animals know B.C.’s challenging range and terrain and also build immunity to a perennial tick problem in many regions.
“That value, it’s not a market value,” he said.
“It’s not something you can put a price on but that’s something they’re losing. That’s an aspect that a lot of us take for granted or don’t really take into account sometimes.”
