OTTAWA, April 22, 2010 —The Government of Canada has launched an online video as another way to help inform producers about the best on-farm practices that can protect livestock and poultry from disease.
"Producers have a long-standing and successful history of using preventive measures as a means of keeping animals healthy and the agriculture industry strong," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This online video will remind producers that farm-level biosecurity is the best investment they can make to maintain the health of their animals and their business."
This video is part of "Animal Health Starts on the Farm," an awareness campaign that encourages producers across Canada to revisit their disease control plans, observe their animals for signs of illness, and regularly consult with veterinarians on the health of their animals.
"Canada has one of the top animal health systems in the world, due in large part to the commitment and efforts of producers on the farm and their veterinary practitioners," said Dr. Brian Evans, Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada, and the Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. "With a vision to maintain this reputation, we think it is important to be vigilant and to re-emphasize that many simple disease-limiting practices are inexpensive and easy to undertake."
In addition to the awareness campaign, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has developed national biosecurity standards, protocols and strategies for livestock, poultry and aquaculture production. These initiatives were created in collaboration with producer organizations, provincial/territorial governments and academia.
The launch of the video coincides with the World Veterinary Day on April 24, 2010. The World Veterinary Association and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) created World Veterinary Day to celebrate the veterinary profession and its successes.
To view the online biosecurity video, and for more information on animal biosecurity, please visit www.inspection.gc.ca/biosecurity. To order DVD copies of the video "Animal Health Starts on the Farm: Basic principles for protecting animal health on Canada’s farms", please call the CFIA at 1-800-442-2342.
For more information, contact:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations: 613-773-6600
World Veterinary Day
Dr Jim Edwards ONZM
Communications Director
World Veterinary Association
Tel: +64 6 362 6301
Fax: +64 6 362 6302
Mobile: +64 21 631 447
E-mail: editor@worldvet.org
