Cattle TB concerns in S.E. Alta.

Thirty ranches near an army base in southeastern Alberta are under quarantine as food safety officials test for bovine tuberculosis.

A Canadian Food Inspection Agency confirmed one animal shipped to the U.S. for slaughter in September was found by American inspectors to have the disease.

The CFIA says the animal came from a ranch near Jenner, about 100 kilometres northwest of Medicine Hat, and which borders on Canadian Forces Base Suffield.

It announced on Oct. 19 that it put that farm’s herd under quarantine.

Producers have for years blamed an elk herd estimated at about 7,000 animals living on base land for ruined fences and pillaged crops on nearby farms.

Elk also carry bovine tuberculosis, which is a chronic, contagious bacterial disease that in advanced stages presents as weight loss, fever and hacking cough.

It can spread to humans, according to CFIA fact sheet, though that’s rare in countries such as Canada which have eradication programs.

“As additional information about the movement of potentially exposed animals is gathered, the CFIA investigation may involve additional locations and individual farms,” said a statement from CFIA.

Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes raised the issue of the elk herd in the legislature last spring, arguing the Alberta government had not done enough to control the elk population.

“It’s up to the government to ensure cattle and ranchers are protected and that consumers are protected,” Barnes said Thursday. “It’s the fear of something like this that was the concern originally.”

Barnes said it’s important to keep in mind the source of the disease is not yet known, adding the situation appears to be “well under control.” He added ranchers are under stress.

Alberta Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier said he expects no market disruption or trade issues due to the detection. He said he’s been in “close contact” with industry groups and federal agencies about the issue.