The food supply was not at risk because no part of the animal entered the system or animal feed systems.

In a release confirming the find, officials say the animal's birth farm has been identified and an investigation is underway.

Age and location of the infected animal are consistent with previous cases detected in Canada.

The case was discovered through the national BSE surveillance program, set up after the first few cases of the disease were found in the country.

Despite this latest find, the country remains a Controlled Risk country for BSE as recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health - called the OIE.

The government says announcement of the find "should not affect exports of Canadian cattle or beef".