The Chief Veterinary Office (CVO), in collaboration with industry stakeholders and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), would like to inform MVMA members that a case of bovine tuberculosis (BTb) has been confirmed in a seven-year-old animal that was slaughtered at a federally inspected abattoir in Manitoba. As with other federally reportable diseases, the investigation is led by the CFIA, with support from the CVO and industry stakeholders. A national eradication program mandated by the CFIA has been in place for BTb since 1923, which involves a quarantine being placed on the farm that the infected animal originated from and BTb testing of this herd will occur prior to depopulation. Contact tracing conducted by the CFIA will determine if additional herds pose a risk and also undergo BTb testing.

Manitoba Public Health has been notified of the detection and oversees the human health aspect of BTb. Veterinarians are reminded and encouraged to share with clients that although BTb is zoonotic, the pasteurization of milk destroys Mycobacterium bovis and the surveillance system in place at slaughter facilities ensures food safety within Canada.

Veterinary teams can find further information concerning BTb at the CFIA’s Bovine Tuberculosis website or Bovine Tuberculosis Investigations website. They may also reach out to the CVO, chiefveterinaryoffice@gov.mb.ca or 1-204-945-7663, with any questions.

Manitoba veterinary clinics are also reminded that special mental health resources are available to livestock producers and those involved in agriculture. Veterinary teams are encouraged to share this information with clients, as no one should feel alone when they are struggling. The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) offers no-cost, short term counselling specifically tailored to Manitoba farmers, farm families and farm employees. The Canadian Centre for Agriculture Wellbeing (CCAW) offers mental health training to those involved in the agricultural industry. The National Farmer Crisis Line, 1-866-FARMS-01, offers free, 24/7 mental health support to farmers, farm families and agricultural workers in Canada.