January 12, 2004

Canada To Test At Least 8,000 Cattle For Mad Cow In 2004

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, or CFIA, will aim to test a minimum of 8,000 animals over the next 12 months for mad cow disease, and then continue to progressively increase the level.

The number of animals tested will reflect international standards, which are expected to be revised over the next one to two years, a release said.

Testing will focus on the those animals most at risk for BSE. These include animals demonstrating clinical signs consistent with BSE, so- called "downer" animals - those unable to stand - as well as animals that have died on farm, are diseased or must be destroyed because of serious illness. A sample of healthy older animals will also be tested. Provinces will play a significant role in the surveillance effort.

The CFIA target follows the Canadian government's announcement that a total of C$92.1 million has been approved over five years to accommodate the increased surveillance and testing for BSE.