Mad cow disease confirmed in Alberta

A case of mad cow disease has been confirmed in a beef cow from Alberta.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says no part of the animal's carcass entered the human food or animal feed systems.

The agency says the disease, called bovine spongiform encephalopathy or BSE, was detected through a national surveillance program.

It's the first case to be reported in Canada since 2011.

The agency says it is still trying to determine the history of the animal and how it became infected.

"The investigation will focus in on the feed supplied to this animal during the first year of its life,'' says a release.

"The Agency will also trace out all animals of equivalent risk. Equivalent risk animals will be ordered destroyed and tested for BSE.''

It says Canada continues to be designated a "controlled BSE risk'' country, as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health.

"Accordingly, this case should not affect current exports of Canadian cattle or beef.''