Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Canadian researchers tout live animal BSE test

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

© AgMedia Inc.

by TREENA HEIN

University of Calgary scientists say they have found a way to test for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in live animals using a simple blood test.

Lianne Appleby, a spokesperson with the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association says the test might increase access to some foreign markets and reduce processing costs, if it were eventually developed and approved. “But, a live test without the resulting reduction in packing plant costs and age discounts would not be of benefit to our producers.”

Appleby also points out that, “While at OCA we do believe in the merits of exploring new technologies, we have to be mindful that this live test is neither proven nor approved right now.”

The researchers say their live test could detect BSE in cattle and chronic wasting disease in elk at least six months before clinical signs of disease are displayed, a development which could potentially lead to revolutionary changes in beef inspection protocols worldwide.

Once marketed, this test would provide an alternative to the current method of post-mortem diagnosis, which uses brain tissue samples from dead animals.

Canadian Cattlemen's Association spokesperson Rob McNabb says the cattle industry is "cautiously optimistic" about the test. “The concept of a live animal test for prion disease is certainly not new. Some of them have been halted because false positives were a concern.”

He says the undertaking has potential. But unless it’s “extremely accurate” in terms of false positives or negatives, “we won’t have really achieved our ultimate objective – demonstrating the eradication of the disease and lifting the current regulatory requirements, such as the enhanced feed ban and removal and disposal of specified risk materials.”

This new live-animal blood test builds on studies conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health and the University of Gottinghen, Germany. BF


 

Current Issue

November 2025

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

Updates to Case IH RB566 Round Baler

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

The Case IH RB566 round baler has been redesigned with a strong focus on serviceability, dependability, and efficiency, offering farmers a more advanced and reliable baling experience. According to Brian Williams, livestock product specialist with Case IH, the latest improvements... Read this article online

Demco-Welker Farms Collab Delivers Big Buddy

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Demco recently introduced the Big Buddy grain cart, a product of collaboration with Big Equipment, the makers of Big Bud tractors, Titan Tires, and the well-known Montana-based Welker Farms. The project began when the Welker family decided to rebuild and modify their iconic Big Bud... Read this article online

New MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header

Monday, October 27, 2025

Case IH continues to expand its innovative harvest equipment lineup with the launch of the MacDon FD2 Plus Draper Header, a new series designed to provide farmers with smoother, cleaner, and more efficient harvesting. Available in multiple widths — 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and even 61... Read this article online

Lots of news from the Ontario Pork Congress

Monday, October 27, 2025

The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) took place on October 20, 2020, at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Ontario, with over 50 attendees. At the event, Arnold Drung, President of Conestoga Meats, was honoured with the . Drung has been a dedicated supporter of the OPC for over 23... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2025 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top