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About the National Animal Health Strategy
Global phenomena such as international trade and travel and climate change are emphasising the interrelated nature of animals, humans and the environment. It has been estimated that 75 per cent of diseases that have appeared in human populations in the last 20 years have originated in animals. As diseases are able to move freely among borders, the management of animal diseases has become a topic of international concern.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has encouraged the international community to strengthen its ability to manage new emerging risks to animal health exemplified by diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and avian influenza.
In addition, Canada’s recent experiences with disease outbreaks have highlighted the need for all animal health stakeholders to align their objectives and approaches.
In order to best protect Canadians from preventable animal-related health risks, the NAHS aims to consolidate and coordinate the activities of governments, industries and animal health communities, each of which is currently responsible for various facets of animal health in Canada.
What is the National Animal Health Strategy?
The NAHS is a new initiative designed to provide a framework for improving Canadian animal health and welfare while balancing public health needs, respect for the environment, a competitive and prosperous economy and social considerations.
The NAHS proposes the following objectives:
- to protect Canadians from preventable animal-related health risks;
- to strengthen domestic and international confidence in the integrity of Canada’s animal health, environment protection and food safety inspection systems;
- to minimize the economic and social consequences of animal diseases;
- to sustain animal health, by maintaining viable animal populations and genetic diversity;
- to help prevent exposure of animals to disease, toxic substances and other health hazards;
- to continue to improve the quality of life for animals;
- to protect ecosystem health through prudent animal health practices;
- to develop an integrated governance system to mitigate identifiable risks.
The NAHS framework will consider all animals including:
- wildlife;
- farmed;
- zoo and aquarium animals;
- pets;
- entertainment animals;
- and animals used for scientific purposes.
Through the engagement process, partners will have an opportunity to shape and refine goals and objectives of the strategy.
The NAHS will be aligned with and support key government-wide initiatives, such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Growing Forward.
How will this strategy be developed?
The development of the NAHS will be undertaken by engaging partners through a series of collaborative workshops.
Partners involved in the development of the NAHS will document Canada’s current animal health system—identifying its strengths and opportunities for enhancement.
Strategic science foresight will be employed to challenge partners in animal science communities to set directions, develop objectives and determine priorities for core activities such as research, disease surveillance and risk assessment so that they will continue to be relevant many years into the future.
From this shared perspective, the NAHS framework will be developed and action plans to implement the strategy will be discussed.
Interested Canadians are encouraged to follow the development of the strategy and submit any comments and feedback.
