Janauary 24, 2006

Canada confirms new mad cow case

A case of mad cow disease in a six-year-old cow in Alberta has been confirmed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The case was brought in by a rancher after he contacted a veterinarian, who sent a brain sample from the animal for testing.

Canada's chief veterinary officer, Dr Brian Evans said the cow's age and geographic location are consistent with Canada's three previous mad cow disease cases. He added that under World Organisation for Animal Health guidelines, this additional case will not affect Canada's trade status or its cattle exports to the US.

US Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns said that he anticipates no change in the status of beef or live cattle imports to the US from Canada.

Canada has started an investigation into the case. CFIA officials are now examining records of the farm where the case was detected.

Meanwhile in Japan, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries has confirmed Japan's 22nd mad cow disease case in a five-year-old cow that died on a Hokkaido farm.

According to press reports, the cow was born in September 2000, before Japan's 2001 feed control rules were in effect. Japanese officials have begun an investigation.