Discussion Documents

National Animal Health Strategy
Presentation
August 2007

A National Animal Health Strategy....

Why?

Animals contribute to Canada's economy

The economic and social impacts of animals are significant...

Over 2 million people are employed directly and indirectly in approximately

• 100,000 livestock farms
• 850 zoos and aquariums
• 454 aquaculture farms

Animals, animal products and associated service sectors are significant engines of the regional economy in Canada.

Globalization – opportunities and challenges for Canadians

The increasing movement of people, animals and animal products contributes to the emergence and spread of disease throughout the world.

Climate Change … opportunities and challenges

Human health, animal health and ecosystem health are interdependent

• Diseases can move among animal populations and between animal populations and the environment
• Diseases do not consider borders and jurisdictions
• Canada's current animal health system does not integrate issues related to public and ecosystem health.

Pathways of AI infection

(Source : Webster, R.G. et al., H5N1 Outbreaks and Enzootic Influenza in CDC, Emerging Infectious Diseases, Volume 12, Number 1, January 2006)

A National Animal Health Strategy....

What?

What is the NAHS?

A common vision that:

• provides an integrated system that improves and optimizes animal health and welfare while balancing the interests of animals, humans and ecosystems

This vision will be realised by using a collaborative approach with federal, provincial, territorial governments and non-governmental organizations

What will the NAHS consider?

• terrestrial and aquatic animals
• vertebrates and invertebrates in the following categories: - farmed, zoo and aquarium, companion, entertainment, animals used for scientific purposes and wildlife
• interactions between animals and humans, and among animal groups

A National Animal Health Strategy....

Who?

Government Partners

• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• Department of Fisheries and Oceans
• Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
• Environment Canada HealthCanada
• Parks Canada
• Public Health Agency of Canada

Provinces and Territories:

• Council of Chief Veterinary Officers
• Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health
• Canadian Wildlife Directors Committee

Non-Government Partners

• AUCC – Academic institutions
• CAHC and UPA – Farmed animals
• CAHI – Animal pharmaceuticals, biologicals, feed additives and animal pesticides
• CAIA – Aquaculture operators, feed companies
• CAZA – Zoos and aquariums
• CCAC – Animals used in scientific research
• CVMA – Companion animals
• CVMA – Veterinarians
• Deans of Veterinary Medicine
• Schools Equine Canada - Equine Sector
• FCC – Fisheries Council of Canada
• Wildlife NGOs – Conservationists and wildlife users

Government Partners
Roles and responsibilities

• Provide feedback and advice to the NAHS team
• Share information and engage partners within respective jurisdictions
• Ensure that the NAHS team understands the regional characteristics and interests

Non-Governmental Partners
Roles and responsibilities

• Convene regular meetings
• Lead and sustain dialogue
• Provide feedback and recommendations to the NAHS team
• Provide direct input at each multi-partner meeting

NAHS team
Roles and responsibilities

• Document the current animal health system
• Initiate and sustain dialogue among partners
• Share information developed by partners
• Support the engagement of partners throughout the process

A National Animal Health Strategy....

How?

Developing the NAHS

• Document and identify the strengths of the current animal health system
• Define the needs of Canada in 5, 10 and 20 years (foresight exercise)
• Develop Canada’s NAHS based on identified strengths and the foresight exercise

Strategy Development Process

Four phases:

1. Define the scope of the Strategy
2. Define the strategic objectives
3. Adopt strategic actions
4. Set action plans

1. Define the scope of the Strategy

• Define basic terminology
• Document current animal health system
• Define a vision for Canada's animal health system
• Develop guiding principles for Strategy development

2. Define strategic objectives

• Refine the scope of the Strategy
• Define the objectives by focusing on:
  • What are our strengths?
  • What are our issues?
  • What is common among partner groups?
  • What is unique for each partner group?

3. Adopt strategic actions

• Decide on key national approaches, actions and outcomes
• Clarify roles and responsibilities in strategic actions
• Decide how to measure success

4. Set action plans

Identify teams of experts to develop specific action plans for implementation as follows:

• Short term (within 5 years)
• Intermediate term (within 10 years)
• Long term (within 15 years)

Where are we in the process?

Currently underway

• Documenting Canada's animal health system
• Technical capabilities (e.g. diagnostic, research, risk assessment, emergency management)
• Stakeholders, their roles and responsibilities, their activities in animal health
• Defining the scope of the Strategy with partners (determine what the Strategy should include/exclude and why?)