Bovine tuberculosis discovery leads to quarantine for 30 Alberta ranches

About 30 southeastern Alberta ranches are being quarantined after bovine tuberculosis was reported in a single cow from the province that was slaughtered in the United States.  The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Friday its veterinarians and inspectors are making contact with cattle producers in five Alberta agricultural zones and are working with provincial authorities to investigate the report.  "The investigation is ongoing and it is not yet known how many animals will require testing," said agency spokesperson Denis Schryburt.  "The number of animals requiring testing will depend on a number of factors such as whether additional animals test positive and the movements of exposed animals to other locations."  He said the affected cow came from a ranch near Jenner, about 250 kilometres east of Calgary. The agency said the United States Department of Agriculture reported the case of bovine TB in September.  The quarantine means that animals must remain on the ranch unless they are moved directly to an inspected slaughter facility, said Schryburt.