Manitoba Commits to TB Testing Support

CANADA - The Manitoba province has commited itself to supporting producers test their livestock for Bovine Tuberculosis (TB).

3 October 2008

2 minute read

North America

Manitoba will provide $468,000 to support a three-year continuation of the tuberculosis mustering fee program first introduced for the 2006-07 and 2007-08 testing years, Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk announced today.

The program provides for the cost of gathering animals for bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing.

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"A positive TB test result found recently in the eradication area has made it necessary to test livestock more frequently"

Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk

"The Canadian Food Inspection Agency, as part of its three year plan, has announced that it will be testing 10,624 cattle in 131 herds," said Wowchuk. "Livestock in areas believed to be at greater-than-average risk for the disease must be tested more frequently and the program will help ease related costs for our producers by providing this payment of $6 per test to impacted producers."

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency designated a portion of the Parkland region as the Riding Mountain TB Eradication Area (RMEA). Cattle, bison and cervids in the area are generally required to undergo TB testing at least once every three years. The testing process is costly to producers both in time and lost production and performance.

"A positive TB test result found recently in the eradication area has made it necessary to test livestock more frequently to ensure animal health," said Wowchuk. "While Manitoba has officially regained its TB-free status, those producers in the RMEA continue to face the inconvenience and additional costs associated with maintaining that status for all Manitoba cattle producers. We are pleased to be able to help producers comply with the regulations by providing the provincial share of the mustering fee over the next three years."

Wowchuk said the TB Mustering Fee program will be administered by the Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation (MASC).

"Working together to ensure testing compliance will help the province maintain its TB-free status, thereby reducing any trade restriction with international partners," said Wowchuk.