US lifts temporary restrictions on BC cattle

The USDA has removed temporary brucellosis testing requirements for certain cattle and bison from British Columbia (BC).

Sexually-intact cattle and bison that have resided in BC since March 25, 2010, are no longer required to test negative for brucellosis prior to export to the US.

The restrictions were put in place after three beef cows originating from two BC farms were suspected of having brucellosis, based on tests done by the USDA during routine slaughter testing. A subsequent and thorough investigation by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) did not identify the presence of brucellosis in the animals or on the two farms. All cattle herds in Canada remain officially free of brucellosis.

In all cases where federally-reportable diseases are suspected or confirmed, the goal is to minimise disruptions to producers, while respecting Canada's domestic and international obligations to take appropriate and prudent control measures.

These measures are critical for protecting the health of Canadian livestock and maintaining market access.