National & World Ag News Headlines New BSE Case Confirmed in Alberta. This Makes 12 USAgNet - 02/27/2008 The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a six-year-old dairy cow from Alberta. The animal's carcass is under CFIA control, and no part of it entered the human food or animal feed systems. The CFIA says the age and location of the infected animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada. "This case will not affect Canada's Controlled Risk country status, as recognized by the World Organization for Animal Health," the agency said in a statement. "This status acknowledges the effectiveness of Canada's surveillance, risk mitigation and eradication measures. Based on science, it is not expected that this case should impact access to any of Canada's current international markets for cattle and beef." An epidemiological investigation directed by international guidelines is underway to identify the animal's herdmates at the time of birth and potential pathways by which it might have become infected. Once completed, a report on the investigation will be publicly released. This is the twelfth case of BSE reported by the Canadian government since 2003. Copyright © 2010 - USAgNet.com. All Rights Reserved.