New case of mad cow disease found in B.C.

Another case of mad cow disease has been found in B.C., the third in the last three years in the province and the thirteenth across the country.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency did not say where the infected cow is located, but an investigation was under way to determine where the cow was born.

The agency said there was no risk to public health because no part of the animal entered the human food systems.  

Mad cow disease, also known as bovine spongiform encephalopathy, or BSE, affects the central nervous system of its victims. It may be present in an animal for four to seven years before symptoms appear.

During the fatal illness's final stages, infected animals become aggressive, lack co-ordination and are unsteady on their hooves.

The inspection agency said a ban on using animal materials in feed products has virtually eliminated the spread of BSE in Canada, but a small number of mad cow cases are still expected to surface.

In 2006 and 2007 the disease was found in two B.C. dairy cows, and in both cases the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the infection was caused by contaminated feed.