Bovine Tuberculosis in Canada

By Wendy Wilkins, DVM, PhD

Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) does not make headlines often, but when it does, producers need to be ready. Canada has maintained its official bTB-free status since 1985, but occasional cases — usually detected during routine slaughterhouse inspections or trace-outs — remind us how quickly things can change.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is continuing its investigation following the confirmation of a positive cattle herd in Saskatchewan in February 2025. Understandably, Saskatchewan livestock producers have concerns and questions about how this outbreak may impact their herds and their operations.

While disease outbreaks certainly affect livestock, it is important not to forget the human impact. Disease outbreaks and investigations can be stressful on your bottom line, your herd and your mental well-being. This article covers what you need to know to protect your herd and yourself.

What is bTB?

BTB is caused by Mycobacterium bovis, a slow-moving bacterium that affects cattle and occasionally other animals, wildlife and humans. It spreads through respiratory droplets, shared water or feed, and even unpasteurized milk. The tricky part is that infected cattle can carry the disease for years without showing symptoms.

Infected animals may eventually show signs like persistent coughing, weight loss or swollen lymph nodes, but most often, bTB is discovered through surveillance testing or post-mortem exams.

What happens when bTB is found?

When a case of bTB is detected, the CFIA leads the response. The agency’s first priority is containment, starting with the immediate quarantine of affected premises and testing of any herds that may have been exposed. Depending on the situation, the CFIA may also:

• conduct follow-up testing on animals that may have been exposed.
• order the depopulation of infected herds; and
• coordinate laboratory diagnostics and disease tracing activities.

These measures are not taken lightly. They are designed to prevent the spread of the disease and protect Canada’s domestic and international beef markets. While the process can be disruptive for producers, it is aimed at limiting broader economic impacts and safeguarding the industry as a whole.

For more information on the current bTB investigation, please visit the CFIA’s website.

Traceability Matters

Good records — animal movements, Premise Identification (PID) numbers and health histories — are critical during an investigation.

If you can trace where your cattle have been and who they have been in contact with, CFIA can act faster and more accurately.

Be Prepared

If the CFIA ever knocks on your door about a bTB case, they will ask for specific records. Here is what you need to have ready:

• Animal movement records – Any purchases, sales or movements of cattle in or out of your herd in the last five years.
• PID number – Make sure your farm is registered and updated. Remember to update your PID whenever your location or operation changes.
• Herd contact history – Did your cattle graze on community pastures? Do you share fence lines with other herds? Have you bought or sold breeding stock?
• Health records – Past TB tests, veterinary visits, disease history and vaccination records.
• Animal identification – Canadian Cattle Identification (CCIA) tags must be up to date. If animals were moved, where did they go and when?

Using an electronic record system can simplify this. Even a spreadsheet is better than nothing.

We are here to help

Saskatchewan's Ministry of Agriculture is here to support producers impacted by bTB investigations. We act as a bridge between the CFIA and the agricultural community, helping producers navigate the situation with clarity and confidence.

Here is how we can help

• Information and communication: We answer questions, clarify procedures and explain what to expect.
• Access to resources: We help identify financial support and cost recovery programs producers may be eligible for.
• Operational assistance: We work to address challenges like feed access, pasture availability or infrastructure needs during movement restrictions.
• Program feedback: We listen to producers' concerns and pass along feedback to the appropriate program delivery organization to improve future supports.

If you are impacted by a bTB investigation, you do not have to figure it out alone. Our team is ready to assist.

Do not ignore your mental health

The emotional toll of a bTB investigation is real. Being placed under quarantine and watching your herd go through testing — or facing the possibility of losing animals — can be incredibly hard. The financial strain and uncertainty can also affect families and farm staff.

Support is available, and we strongly encourage producers to make use of it:

• Farm Stress Line (Saskatchewan): 1-800-667-4442
  Open 24/7, confidential and free.
• National Farmer Wellness Program: 1-866-327-6701
  A Canada-wide mental health support service for farmers and their families.
• SaskAgMatters: Offers six free hours of counselling per person, per year to producers, their families and ag workers.

You are not alone, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Healthy producers are the foundation of a healthy industry.

Questions?

Reach out to us anytime if you need more specific information or support. Together, we can protect our herds, our livelihoods and each other.

Producers impacted by the bTB outbreak can contact Livestock Branch, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Phone: 306-787-2150

For more information about the Ministry of Agriculture’s services and links to important information sources go to the Bovine Tuberculosis in Livestock page.