Canada confirms third cow infected with BSE

Canada confirms third cow infected with BSE    The Canadian Food Inspection Agency Tuesday confirmed a third case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or “mad cow” disease, in an Alberta beef
cow.
   The agency said the carcass of the sick cow was prevented from entering the food chain.
   CFIA is investigating what the animal may have been fed early in its life and the source of the feed. The infected cow was born in March 1998, and the farm of origin has been confirmed by the agency.
   “Based on preliminary information, feed produced prior to the introduction of the 1997 feed ban in Canada remains the most likely source of infection in this animal,” CFIA said.
   The infected animal was detected through Canada’s recently enhanced national surveillance program. In 2004, Canada tested more than 22,000 animals. “Additional cases (of BSE) may be found as testing of high-risk cattle continues,” CFIA said.
   The U.S. Department of Agriculture remains confident in Canada’s efforts to detect BSE, and the protections this testing provides to U.S. consumers and livestock.
   “We will continue our ongoing work with Canadian officials in their epidemiological investigations to determine the facts of these cases,” said Ron DeHaven, administrator for USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, in a statement.