Testing at the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg, Canada, has confirmed BSE in a cow from British Columbia. Samples from the animal were sent to Winnipeg for additional testing after screening tests produced inconclusive results.

According to a statement released by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), this finding does not affect the safety of Canadian beef. Preliminary investigations conducted prior to receiving final results identified the animal’s exact date of birth and birth farm — two critical elements required to trace other animals of interest, as defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

The CFIA is also conducting a thorough examination of potential sources of infection. Investigators will pay particular attention to the feed to which the animal may have been exposed early in its life, when cattle are most susceptible to BSE. The CFIA is collecting records of feed purchased by and used on the animal’s birth farm. As in previous investigations, the CFIA will also fully consider all other scientific pathways in an attempt to definitively determine how the animal became infected.

This animal, a six-year-old dairy cow, developed BSE after the implementation of Canada’s feed ban.