Dr. James D. MacNeil, Head of the Centre for Veterinary Drug Residues
Canadian Animal Health Laboratory Network
Manitoba Bovine Tuberculosis Management Team
Dr. James MacNeil began his public service career in 1972 with the Research Branch at Agriculture Canada, and is now the head of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Centre for
Veterinary Drug Residues, one of the world’s leading laboratories of its kind.
With over 70 publications to his credit, Dr. MacNeil has earned the respect of the global scientific community and has led several expert groups in drafting guidelines for the establishment of a regulatory program for the
control of veterinary drug residues in food. This achievement, coupled with his involvement in a number of research projects, has contributed to CFIA’s mission to become an effective,
science-based regulatory organization, improving food safety and trade for all Canadians.
In keeping with his philosophy of never leaving anything until the last minute, Dr. MacNeil began working on his personal and the department’s succession planning over ten years ago. Although his vast knowledge and
experience will be missed, Dr. James MacNeil’s forward thinking has ensured that his laboratory will be ready when he retires from active service in October 2007.
The Canadian Animal Health Laboratory Network represents the very best in seamless collaboration across national and hemispheric jurisdictions to protect the health of people, animals and eco-systems. Comprising
leading federal, provincial and university science managers, the network was established to address the potential risks posed by animal diseases that could spread to human populations.
The Canadian Animal Health Laboratory Network has succeeded in enhancing Canada’s ability to safeguard livestock and wildlife resources as well as our capacity to protect the public from animal diseases. The network has also made crucial
improvements to Canada’s abilities to diagnose animal disease by equipping laboratories with the resources they require to promote early detection.
Without the tireless efforts of the Canadian Animal Health Laboratory Network, Canada’s animal resources, population and economic viability would be more vulnerable to emerging and re-emerging animal diseases.
Thanks to the Manitoba Bovine Tuberculosis Management Team, all livestock in Canada is now classified as free of bovine tuberculosis (TB). In September 2006, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency declared the area
around Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park free of bovine TB, the only region of the country that had been without this status.
Areas without bovine TB‑free status face challenges such as extensive disease testing, restrictions on animal movements to other areas of Canada, and extra requirements when exporting animals to other countries.
Yet all that has changed for the farms around Manitoba’s Riding Mountain National Park. Cattle and livestock producers across Canada, residents of the Riding Mountain region and consumers are reassured knowing that bovine tuberculosis has been
eliminated from Canada’s cattle herds.
The members of the Manitoba Bovine Tuberculosis Management Team successfully designed and implemented TB control measures for the wildlife and livestock herds in the Riding Mountain area in collaboration with the
Province of Manitoba. In doing so, they were instrumental in ensuring the health and safety of the cattle industry in Canada.
Congratulations to the award winners. Their successes truly reflect the current values of the Public Service of Canada and their efforts have made it possible for the public service to better meet the needs of Canadians.
For more information on the award, please visit the Public Service Award of Excellence website at:
http://www.hrma-agrh.gc.ca/hr-rh/ar-pr/new_excellence/intro_e.asp
You can learn about the 2006 winners at:
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/agen/pres/awarec/excelle.shtml
