News Releases

News Release - Manitoba

June 28, 2017

Province Launches New Grants to Support Prevention of Bovine Tuberculosis in Riding Mountain Area



The Manitoba government is launching two new grant programs to help livestock producers fund activities related to bovine tuberculosis (bTB) prevention in the Riding Mountain Eradication Area (RMEA), Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.

“While TB has not been detected in Manitoba’s herd in nearly a decade, it is still a risk in wildlife populations,” said Eichler.  “These grant programs are tailored to prevent disease transmission between wildlife and domestic herds.  We recognize the importance of being proactive on disease prevention as our government continues to support growth in the livestock sector.”

Grants are now available over two years for programs that focus on collecting data and supporting the on-farm risk assessment process.

To encourage improved data collection, funding will be available to producers in the RMEA who link their premises identification locations to their Canadian Cattle Identification Agency account.  This linkage will allow animals examined at processing to be traced back to the herd level and further demonstrate that livestock shipped from the RMEA are free of this disease.  Improving processing surveillance will play a significant role in reducing the need for mustering and live animal testing in the future.

A second grant program will support on-farm risk assessments.  The minister noted on-farm risk assessment is an important element in the bTB management process, helping producers to identify, address and prevent bTB outbreaks due to wildlife approaching and mingling with cattle herds.  Potential remedies to this issue that are eligible for grant funding are fencing and the use of herd guardian dogs.  To be eligible for this funding, producers must complete a first-time on-farm risk assessment or update their current on-farm risk assessment.

“We are pleased to partner with the province to make these programs available and affordable for producers, ensuring the ongoing health of livestock in the Riding Mountain area,” said Brian Lemon, general manager, Manitoba Beef Producers.  “To further assist producers, we are also prepared to help them complete or update their risk assessment.”

“Ongoing vigilance by cattle and bison producers in the RMEA is required to reduce the risk of a potential resurgence in tuberculosis,” said Dr. Allan Preston, co-ordinator, Manitoba Bovine Tuberculosis.  “Starting with strong support for the livestock traceability system, continuing with the on-farm risk assessments, then mitigating the risks identified with the programs Manitoba Agriculture is providing, are key elements of the Bovine Tuberculosis Management Program.”

The minister noted that Manitoba’s domestic livestock herd is categorized as ‘TB free’ and this announcement will certainly assist in maintaining that status.

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