OTTAWA, August 8, 2007- The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture
and Agri-Food, today announced that the actions of Canada's New Government
continue to safeguard Canadian livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD).
"We continue to closely monitor the status of this situation. This is a top
priority for Canada's New Government, and we are ensuring that federal
authorities are taking all the necessary steps to safeguard the health of
Canadian livestock," noted Minister Strahl. "Our response to FMD outbreaks
around the world is always swift and comprehensive."
At any given time, serious animal diseases such as FMD and avian influenza
can be found throughout the world. To safeguard against these ever present
threats, Canada has in place a range of safeguards that start at borders and
extend to farms across the country. These measures are currently being fully
employed to manage animal health risks posed by the current FMD outbreak in the
United Kingdom.
Canadian imports of susceptible animals and animal products from the United
Kingdom remain blocked. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has
determined that no previously imported commodities pose significant risks to
animal health.
The CFIA is working with the Canada Border Services Agency to increase
vigilance at all Canadian borders. Both agencies are heightening travellers'
awareness, particularly those coming from the United Kingdom, of their
responsibilities to declare all food, animals and animal products, which could
carry FMD virus. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is
also issuing a travel advisory reminding travellers from the United Kingdom to
notify customs officials if they have visited a farm while abroad and if they
plan to soon visit one in Canada.
Based on the rapid
response actions of the United Kingdom and the extent of the outbreak–which
currently appears to be contained–no additional border measures are planned at
this time. If the situation changes, the CFIA will take additional measures to
minimize risks posed by the international movement of people and products.
Disease control in Canada is a shared responsibility. In concert with
Government border restrictions, Canadian livestock producers must always apply
appropriate biosecurity principles and practices. The CFIA encourages
agricultural associations to highlight for their members the absolute importance
of maintaining strict disease controls on all farms in Canada.
Current speculation linking the origin of the UK outbreak to laboratory
facilities has reinforced the importance of lab biosecurity in Canada. All CFIA laboratories, which are the only facilities in Canada permitted to handle FMD
virus, operate under strict protocols and procedures to prevent the accidental
escape of pathogens into the environment. These measures are based on
international standards and are thoroughly reviewed on a regular basis.
Although disease prevention is the ultimate animal health objective of the
CFIA, the ability to respond to outbreaks cannot be overlooked. To this end, the CFIA has a detailed
FMD response plan that would permit Canadian authorities to
identify, contain and eliminate outbreaks.
The CFIA remains in close contact with authorities in the United Kingdom to
follow the situation. Any new information will be provided to the Canadian
public as it becomes available.
-30-
For information:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613-228-6682
Ted Yeomans
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
613-759-1199
Main Page - Foot
and Mouth Disease
