July 3, 2006

Canada reports suspected case of mad cow disease

Canada said Friday (Jun 30) that preliminary tests have indicated mad cow disease in a mature cow in the province of Manitoba.

If confirmed, it would be the country's sixth case.

Canada has had five confirmed cases of mad cow out of an estimated national herd of 17 million cattle.

Canada recently concluded investigations that attributed its recent mad cow cases to feed contaminated by cross utilisation of equipment.

Mad cow disease is believed to have arisen from feed containing animal parts.

Feed containing animal parts meant for non-cattle animals contaminated feed meant for cattle when the same equipment was used for both, according to investigations.

Canada recently banned animal parts from all animal feed, including pet food. The government gave its beef producers until July next year to comply and has set aside millions to aid producers in the transition.

Canada last week opened its borders to live cattle of all ages from the US, while the US cattle industry has been urging its government not to reciprocate the gesture due to mad cow concerns.