Redesigned National BSE Surveillance Program to launch March 7

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced that the redesigned National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) surveillance program will take effect on March 7, 2025.

Samples collected before March 6, 2025, will continue to be processed under the current program, including applicable incentives. However, samples collected on or after March 7, 2025, will be processed under the new program, which features updated incentives and procedures.

Starting March 7, 2025, the CFIA’s BSE surveillance web page will serve as the primary source for the latest updates and resources. The page will include:

• A direct link to the online questionnaire to determine if a bovine is a candidate for surveillance
• Information on incentive payments and a link to submit invoices directly to the CFIA for services provided
• Participation details for bovine veterinarians, cattle producers, necropsy rooms, deadstock collectors, and abattoirs
• A list of laboratories processing BSE samples, complete with postal addresses
• Step-by-step instructions for sample collection and packaging
• The number of animals tested

This redesigned program aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of BSE surveillance in Canada.