July 6, 2006

Canada confirms sixth case of mad cow disease

Test results have confirmed mad cow disease in a mature cross-bred beef cow from Manitoba in Canada. 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is now conducting a comprehensive investigation.

Officials have confirmed the animal was purchased by the owner as part of a herd in 1992.

This means the cow was at least 15 years of age and would have been born before the 1997 introduction of Canada's ban on feed believed to be causing mad cow disease.

Investigators are trying to locate the birth farm, which would enable investigators to trace the animal's herdmates and feed used.

However, tracing may be difficult as the advanced age of the cow meant few surviving animals and limited sources of information.

The CFIA recently extended the ban on cattle parts in cattle feed to all animal feed, which further strengthened its system.

The CFIA said the detection of this case demonstrates the effectiveness of Canada's surveillance programme.