Delayed reporting of BSE

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has gone to monthly reporting for any new cases of BSE. For that reason, a new case of BSE confirmed in an Alberta cow on February 25has just come to light in the past couple days. It’s certainly true that each new case of BSE has become less and less newsworthy, but this change in the reporting procedure has the appearance of trying to manipulate news coverage. That may not be the intent, but appearances are important. This 17th case of BSE is buried deeply in the CFIA website and the only information posted is that the cow was from Alberta and 72 months of age. Reporters have had to contact officials in the industry to get any further details. The appearance of a cover-up is likely to give the case more attention than if it had been announced right away in the normal manner. While there are no health concerns and the animal didn’t enter the food chain, the case does have significance, because it’s another animal born well after the 1997 ruminant-to-ruminant feed ban came into effect. According to published reports, this case will further delay Canada’s chance of moving from “controlled risk” to “negligible risk” status for BSE. I’m Kevin Hursh.