| Q1 |
What is the NAAHP? |
| A1 |
- The NAAHP
is a science-based regulatory program for aquatic animal diseases that have
been designated reportable or notifiable in Canada because of their potential
impact on the health of our aquatic resources, both wild and farmed, on trade
and our economy. The program consists of measures needed to prevent, control
and/or eradicate aquatic animal diseases of concern.
- It is modeled after Canada’s internationally recognized terrestrial
animal health program, and will be guided by the health measures of the Aquatic
Animal Health Code of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE).
- The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Fisheries and Oceans Canada
(DFO) are co-delivering the NAAHP.
|
| Q2 |
When will the NAAHP take effect?
|
| A2 |
- The NAAHP
is already being implemented and will expand as regulations are amended and
introduced. It is expected to be fully in force in 2007/08.
|
| Q3 |
Why does Canada need a NAAHP? |
| A3 |
- By implementing the NAAHP, Canada will be better
positioned to protect aquatic animal health, to sustain existing export market
access and take advantage of new trade opportunities.
- Canada, a major exporter of seafood products, must be able to demonstrate
the health status of its wild and cultured aquatic resources when certifying
seafood products for export purposes in the future.
- As a member of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World
Trade Organization (WTO), Canada is obliged to base its animal health measures
on OIE
standards, including for trade in aquatic and terrestrial animals.
|
| Q4 |
How the NAAHP will benefit
Canadians? |
| A4 |
- Canadians will benefit by having:
- healthy aquatic animal resources to provide a reliable supply of wholesome
marine food products;
- secure and expanding seafood export markets;
- more stable regional economies; and
- growing recognition of Canada as a global leader in the export of
sustainable, high-quality fish and seafood products.
|
| Q5 |
Why now? |
| A5 |
- Like many of our trading partners, Canada has become increasingly aware of
aquatic animal disease risks associated with the trade of aquatic animals and
their related products. The OIE, including those standards
for trade have resulted in countries strengthening their sanitary requirements
for import.
- Several of our trade partners have already implemented more stringent trade
requirements and Canada must reciprocate to continue trade with these
partners.
|
| Q6 |
Who is responsible for the NAAHP? |
| A6 |
- The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, who is responsible for the
CFIA, and the
Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada are jointly implementing the federal
responsibilities for the NAAHP.
- The CFIA
provides the overall program lead for the NAAHP and is responsible for
the disease surveillance/monitoring protocols and control measures for
reportable diseases.
- DFO delivers and
oversees the National Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory System. DFO is also responsible for disease
research based on disease priorities provided by CFIA.
- Since the management of the wild fisheries and aquaculture industries is a
shared responsibility in Canada, the NAAHP is designed to respect
federal and provincial/territorial jurisdictions.
|
| Q7 |
From what legislation does the NAAHP draw its
authority? |
| A7 |
- The NAAHP
is formed under the legislative authority of the Health of Animals Act
and Regulations.
|
| Q8 |
What role do the provinces and industry play in the
NAAHP? |
| A8 |
- The CFIA and
DFO regularly consult
industry sectors and provinces with interests in wild fisheries and/or
aquaculture. Members from industry as well as the provinces have seats on the
Aquatic Animal Health Committee, which advises the CFIA and DFO on matters relating to the
development and implementation of the NAAHP. Information is shared
extensively with all stakeholders as major components of the NAAHP evolve. This approach
ensures a comprehensive and coordinated aquatic animal health management
program for Canada.
|
| Q9 |
Were Canadians at risk before the NAAHP? Are there aquatic
diseases that pose a human health or food safety risk? |
| A9 |
- No, the NAAHP was introduced to
protect Canada’s aquatic resources from diseases of concern. None of these
diseases is known to pose a threat to human health. It is important to note
that the NAAHP is not a food safety
program.
|
| Q10 |
What are reportable diseases? |
| A10 |
- Reportable diseases are diseases that have been prescribed reportable by
the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food pursuant to the Health of Animals
Act. These diseases are listed in the Reportable Diseases
Regulations pursuant to the Act and are of significant importance to human
or animal health or the Canadian economy.
- Animal owners, veterinarians and laboratories are obliged to immediately
inform the CFIA if
an animal is suspected of having contracted any of the listed diseases.
|
| Q11 |
What are notifiable diseases? |
| A11 |
- Notifiable diseases are diseases which laboratories are obliged to report
to the CFIA if
diagnosed or suspected. There are two lists of notifiable diseases: immediately
notifiable and annually notifiable.
- Immediately notifiable diseases are diseases of less importance than those
on the reportable diseases list but still represent a significance to trade.
Animals exported from Canada must be certified free of all notifiable diseases
in order to meet import requirements of trading partners. Only laboratories are
required to report to the CFIA the suspicion or diagnosis of
notifiable diseases.
- Annually notifiable diseases are diseases for which Canada must submit an
annual report to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) indicating
their presence within Canada. In general, they are diseases that are present in
Canada, but are not classified as reportable or immediately notifiable.
|
| Q12 |
Who sets the criteria for establishing reportable and
notifiable diseases? |
| A12 |
- The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) sets the criteria for
listing such diseases and all the relevant parameters set for each.
|
| Q13 |
How does Canada respond to the potential international
movement of diseased fish? |
| A13 |
- Canada has put in place programs to prevent the movement of diseased fish.
Programs such as zoning and compartmentalization, import/export control,
surveillance and monitoring, disease control and contingency planning are
protecting Canada’s aquatic resources.
|
