Canada's New Government Provides 3 Million Dollars For On-Farm Biosecurity Initiatives

Main Category: Bird Flu / Avian Flu
Article Date: 26 Jul 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced 3 million dollars to help Canadian poultry farms and processing plants protect their flocks against serious diseases such as avian influenza.

"Canada's New Government is committed to supporting Canada's poultry industry, the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund is just another example of our ongoing support of the agricultural sector," said Minister Strahl. "The new and improved products and processes that are being developed will help to advance on-farm practices, which are a key component of Canada's fight against contagious avian diseases."

Biosecurity refers to measures that protect the health of livestock by preventing the transmission of disease. It is the most important investment industry can make to limit opportunities for the introduction and spread of avian influenza and other infectious diseases in their flock.

The Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund is managed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Seven projects have been selected for funding for the 2006/2007 fiscal year, with a total investment of $500,000. Funding will be available for similar avian biosecurity projects for the next four years.

"Canadian poultry producers and processors recognize that practising strong biosecurity is an investment in the continued success of the industry," said Laurent Souligny, Chair of the Canadian Egg Marketing Agency. "Biosecurity protects individual producers and helps maintain consumer confidence in Canadian poultry and poultry products."

For more details about the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund and the projects that are currently being funded please see the attached backgrounder, or visit the CFIA's Web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.