MP Shields concerned about Bovine Tuberculosis

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Vauxhall Advance

The recent finding of Bovine Tuberculosis in southeastern Alberta is of great concern to ranchers, cattle producers, and all involved in the cattle industry, notes Bow River MP Martin Shields.

“Thirty ranches have been quarantined thus far, and we expect more could be added later by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Many of these ranches are in the County of Newell, in the Bow River constituency,” said Shields.

Shields is concerned about the timelines that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) adheres to, to clear quarantined ranches.
Human resources at CFIA reflected that in the number of inspectors working to clear ranches could hinder and prolong the process, leaving many in the cattle sector in a bind.

“I am concerned that many ranchers covered by the quarantine will be stuck scrambling for feed and water for cattle that they did not anticipate having. These cattle can’t be moved under the order of CFIA, until they are satisfied there is no TB present,” said Shields.

Compensation for ranchers who are covered by the quarantine is also an issue.

“These are tough economic times in Alberta. The government must clarify whether those stuck with cattle, forced to endure high unexpected costs due to the quarantine, will be covered for the cost of feed and water, and more. My team and I will be working to seek clarification and answers from the government on the issue of tuberculosis in cattle in southeastern Alberta,” said Shields.

If you are affected by this quarantine and wish to share your concerns, please contact Shield’s Ottawa office at 613-992-0761.
Shields will pass concerns onto the minister of health, as well as the minister of agriculture.