NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010AGRI0003-001469 Nov. 23, 2010

Ministry of Agriculture

 

PROVINCE LAUNCHES REVIEW OF ANIMAL HEALTH POLICY

 

VICTORIA – British Columbians are invited to participate in a review of the province’s animal health policy and legislation during a 60-day web-based consultation, announced Agriculture Minister Ben Stewart today.  The deadline to provide feedback is January 23, 2011.

 

“We’re seeking the public’s view on animal health issues and asking for input from those whose work is affected by animal health issues,” said Stewart. “Animal health is important to all British Columbians. It’s not only an important issue for farmers, ranchers, and food processors, but it can also impact human health when diseases are passed from animals to people.”

 

Animal health management generally involves two broad sets of activities:  disease prevention and outbreak management and control.  Managing animal health is important for the ongoing success of animal farming and ranching in B.C.  The agriculture industry, veterinarians, and others all play important front-line roles in animal health management.  The province has an important role in supporting successful animal disease prevention by having the authority to quickly act to control disease outbreaks.

 

“It’s essential that B.C.’s animal health management system is responsive and that it safeguards both animal and human health, and the economic well-being of farmers and ranchers,” said Stewart. “I’m really encouraging members of the general public and anyone with an interest in animal health to take part in this review.”

 

The Ministry of Agriculture is reviewing the existing animal health legislation and policy, focussing primarily on the Animal Disease Control Act and related legislation, regulation, and policy.  The Animal Disease Control Act is B.C.’s central animal health statute, and is over 50 years old.  The goal of the review is to develop a robust framework for the management of animal health in British Columbia.  

 

For more information on the animal health policy review or to participate in the consultation, please visit: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/ahb.

 

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Contact:

Patrick Vert Public Affairs Officer 250 387-1693

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