The Canadian Food Inspection Agency says it could take months to trace cattle potentially exposed to bovine tuberculosis from a suspect cow in southeastern Alberta.

The animals on the ranch near Jenner, where the suspect case originated, are being put down and the producer will receive compensation.

In the meantime, investigators have quarantined 30 other ranches.

Ryder Lee the CEO for the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association says it’s a difficult situation.

"What they have to do is, look at that herd, look at the herds that animal came in contact with, and trace out and see what that prevalence of that disease is. The process is happening now, they're giving some updates to the industry, and the industry is, of course, pressuring them to do this as fast as possible, to be as fair as the can to producers, and recognize the time of year it is. If you're in quarantine you can't sell you calves," Lee said.

He also said while there is compensation if an animal is destroyed; there is nothing available to help producer herds that have been quarantined.

"What CFIA causes they will compensate for and the negotiation will happen there. The inconvenience side of it isn't allowed for in the act and regulations they follow. This becomes a conversation during a conversation during these events is how do we deal with this," he said.  

He notes it’s hard on the quarantined operations that will try and find feed for animals that they would normally have already sold off.

The suspect cow was shipped to the United States for slaughter and the disease was detected by Officials with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.