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News Item
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Veterinary Services Branch
545 University Crescent, Winnipeg MB R3T 5S6
BSE Update# 3 - June 3, 2003
WHAT WE KNOW:
- A total of 1160 cattle have been slaughtered to date. This includes:
- The herd where the infected cow was found (index herd or case herd)
- The herd with calves from the index herd and the offspring from the infected cow. There were three different farms that received calves from the index herd.
- The three herds where the infected cow lived for 4 years prior to arriving at the index herd
- The three herds that received feed containing the rendered material from the infected cow.
- All results have been negative to date. Results are still pending on five herds.
- DNA analysis was inconclusive, so CFIA will proceed with slaughter of herds in second line of inquiry. Results should be available by Friday.
- Two Saskatchewan, five Alberta and three BC herds have been depopulated, including a few goats*. (*The goats were consuming the same feed as the cattle.)
- The initial four herds that were slaughtered at Lethbridge were tested, rendered, and then incinerated.
- The balance of the herds were slaughtered at Moose Jaw. Once test results are finalized, the carcasses are to be buried.
- CFIA is planning to remove the quarantine on depopulated farms once cleaning and disinfection is complete: surface soil is buried, all buildings, stalls, corrals, are whitewashed, manure is composted, etc.
- The quarantine has been lifted on three farms where the remaining animals were not related to the index cow and did not have a common feed source.
- There are 14 farms still in quarantine.
- 2000 head are in quarantine.
- 600 more animals may need to be tested as part of the investigation of the four additional farms where the infected cow lived prior to the index herd.
- The infected cow was sent for rendering and segregated into feed for non-ruminants. It was moved as product to eight feed mills, two farms, and two pet food companies. The rendered beef was used in dry dog food. There is no indication that dogs can contract BSE.
- The Champion Pet Food Company in Alberta has issued a voluntary recall on two products: Maintenance Diet with a "use by" date of 17FEB04 and Beef with Barley with a date of 05MAR04.
- Rothsay will continue to pick up mortalities on farms and offal from slaughter plants in Manitoba and will make deliveries to the Brady landfill site. The Rothsay rendering plant will no longer accept ruminant materials for rendering.
- Collagen and gelatin prepared from the hides and skins are considered safe.
- BSE infection has never been detected in muscle tissue (steaks and roasts).
- Cattle intended for human consumption are typically slaughtered at two years or younger
- BSE infection in 90% of cases has been found in the cow's brain or spinal chord.
- *Ruminants include cattle, sheep, goats, deer, elk, bison.
WHAT WE DON'T KNOW
- How did the infected cow come in contact with the prion that caused the BSE? CFIA believes that poultry feed that contained ruminant nerve tissue is the source of the infection. They do not know how that feed may have become contaminated with BSE.
- The parentage and birthplace of the infected animal. DNA results are expected this week.
- Did the infected cow eat contaminated feed prior to the ban in 1997?
- Was the infected cow born to a cow that had eaten contaminated feed prior to 1997?
- Can the disease be passed to offspring? Evidence from the U.K. indicates a correlation between infected cows and passing of the infection to their calves. The offspring of the infected cow in Canada, did not have BSE.
- How long the U.S. and other countries will continue with the ban.
WHAT IS BEING DONE:
- CFIA continues to trace the contacts of the infected cow. It is expected that 1900 animals may need to be destroyed in the search for the source of the infection.
- Veterinary Services Branch has taken training last week to enable them to undertake testing for BSE in their lab. Manitoba will be expected to conduct much more testing for BSE in the future to maintain a level of confidence in our BSE -free status. It is estimated that in future, approximately 6000 tests will be needed in Manitoba. Total cost for each test will approach $50 - $60.
- Technical briefings with MAF and CFIA take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday this week
- MAF is participating in an economic assessment of the current incident. Carolynn Osborn, Program and Policy Analysis Branch, is our contact. Alberta, Ontario, and AAFC are the other participants in this study.
- The economic situation for feedlot operators becoming critical with 324,000 fats in Alberta alone now ready for market. Many Manitoba producers also have cattle ready for market.
- MACC and other financial institutions are prepared to assist their clients through this economic situation, at least in the short term.
- 4-H members planning to sell their beef animals at Fat Stock Shows this summer, are being given the option of keeping their steer until another market is located, or having them slaughtered locally rather than selling them through the live ring where there are few options for successful marketing of the steers.
- MAF is working with Manitoba Conservation to find a designated site should disposal of a herd be necessary in Manitoba.
CONTACTS:
Manitoba Government contacts for the BSE issue are as follows:
- MAF - Dr. Allan Preston - 945-7650
- MB Conservation - Al Beck - 945-8553
- MB Health - Public Health - Dr. Joel Kettner - 788-6666
Food Safety - Jim Drew - 788-6745
- Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association - Dr. Lisa Sawka - 889-3110
- Allan Preston, DVM
Director
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