CANADA: Protect poultry, prevent disease: national standard is launched

06.oct.09
CFIA

OTTAWA -- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a
national standard for poultry producers to help protect animal health
and safeguard the Canadian food supply.
The National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard focuses on disease
prevention and protection measures, collectively known as biosecurity
which play an important role in keeping diseases off the farm and out of
the Canadian food chain.
"Biosecurity is the best investment producers can make to safeguard the
health of their animals on the farm and make the most of their
business," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This national standard
will guide producers on good biosecurity practices so that together we
can protect Canada's poultry industry against disease."
A few examples of on-farm biosecurity practices include:
Washing your hands and changing into clean clothes and footwear before
and after coming into contacting with your animals.
Routinely cleaning barns, pens, feeders and watering equipment and
disinfecting them when necessary.
Controlling visitor access to your animals.
The Standard was developed in consultation with poultry marketing
boards, producers, non-supply- managed and supply- managed industry,
processors, the poultry service industries, veterinary associations and
academia.
To view the National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard, or for more
information on protecting animal health please visit
www.inspection.gc.ca/biosecurity.