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RESPONSE TO AVIAN INFLUENZA “LESSONS LEARNED”

Ottawa, January 17, 2005 – The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Minister Responsible for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) announced today the completion of the Agency’s review of its management of the 2004 Avian Influenza outbreak in British Columbia.

The CFIA has identified a series of commitments to respond to both its internal review findings, and those of the joint industry/government forum held in October 2004.

“This was an unprecedented event for industry, government officials, and local residents”, said Minister Mitchell. “Unlike other countries who have dealt with avian influenza, our response efforts contained the virus in a limited period of time and to a specific geographic area. However, we recognize there are always opportunities for improvement and we are committed to working with all stakeholders to follow-up on the lessons learned”.

As a key priority, the CFIA will be conducting a review of the current maximum values for the replacement of all livestock ordered destroyed as part of a disease investigation or outbreak response. This process is expected to be completed in 2005. The CFIA is committed to a regular review of the maximum compensation rates for all animals ordered destroyed under the authority of Health of Animals Act. The avian influenza experience has underlined the importance of this review. All stakeholders will be consulted throughout the review process. The CFIA will provide more details in the coming weeks.

The CFIA has already begun its follow-up activities to address other findings from its Lessons Learned report, including enhancements to its emergency preparedness plans and supporting industry in the development of enhanced bio-security measures.

Recently, CFIA officials met with the National Poultry Associations and agreed on a number of priority action items. Joint working groups are being established to look at approaches that will best limit the spread of disease during a potential outbreak.

Another key lesson learned from the outbreak is the need to broaden and update the Foreign Animal Disease Eradication Plans (FADES). As a result, the CFIA is developing a new template which will incorporate increased involvement of federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, and industry partners. The CFIA will be seeking input on the template prior to a full consultation process on the FADES plans.

For the full “Lessons Learned” report, visit the CFIA’s web site at www.inspection.gc.ca.

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For information:

Elizabeth Whiting
Minister’s Office
(613) 759-1761

CFIA Media Relations:
(613) 228-6696