SASKATCHEWAN ASSISTS ALBERTA AND CFIA WITH BSE CASE

The Government of Saskatchewan is working closely with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Province of Alberta as they address the recently discovered case of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in Alberta.

BSE, also known as mad cow disease, is a progressive disease of the nervous system in cattle. The disease is associated with an abnormal protein called a prion.

"Saskatchewan is strongly committed to ensuring that consumers have access to safe food," Deputy Premier and Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said. "We will provide whatever help we can to the CFIA and Alberta to ensure that any livestock that may have come in contact with BSE are removed from the food chain."

"Canada has one of the strongest food safety systems in the world, with an extensive plan in place to address food safety issues when they arise," Serby said.

As part of its surveillance program, Saskatchewan utilizes stringent inspection requirements to track cattle moving in and out of the province.

Alberta ranchers are required to have their cattle brand-inspected prior to leaving their province, and Saskatchewan requires the same livestock be brand-inspected when they leave this province. Thus, Saskatchewan can trace the ownership of animals and knows where the animals have come from in Alberta.

"While it is unfortunate this case of BSE has occurred, livestock customers can be confident that every action will be taken to stop the disease from spreading," Serby said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Dr. Louise Greenberg Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-5245