Farmed Animals Working Group

National Farmed Animal Health Strategy
(NFAHS)

October 31, 2007

Working Paper Summary Report

< ACRONYMS

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION >

---

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The rate of change globally, in many areas, is highly significant and is accelerating.  This also involves Canada.  Is the farmed animal health system capable of responding to the changing demands of the present day as well as the unknown future?

The goal is for Canada to be recognized as a world leader in farmed animal health.

The Canadian livestock industry is a very significant component of the Canadian processing, retail, food service, and rural economy.  The farmed animal industry is comprised of approximately 90,000 producers in the beef, dairy, pork, poultry, and sheep/lamb sectors with an additional 26,000 producers in specialty livestock production, including elk, bison, goats, deer, wild boar, and rabbits.

The farmed animal industry represents a total investment of $113 billion, with $19 billion in sales, $42 billion in value added, and $5.7 billion in exports.

This industry has faced massive shocks over the past five years.  As a result of disease, bio-fuel industry development, the rising Canadian dollar, and increased input costs, the beef and pork industries are facing unprecedented competitiveness challenges and are projected to face significant contraction by 2010.

There is a strong need for a unifying National Animal Health Strategy (NAHS) which recognizes and incorporates the farmed animal sector as a fundamental component and driver.

A concept that has been proposed for the NAHS was essentially based on common fundamental elements.  There are, however, unique requirements for each sector, the farmed animal sector being one, which would be reflected in specific plans of action.

The desired farmed animal health system must be multi-jurisdictional, multi-stakeholder, systems based, and comprehensive.

Terms which must be defined include partnership, public good/private good, animal health, and animal care/welfare.

Because of a lack of understanding of roles, responsibilities, and authorities, the present National Farmed Animal Health System lacks effective leadership, coordination, and decisive decision-making.  This leads to confusion and ineffective action, to the detriment of the farmed animal industry.

Rapid, accepted, and effective decision-making by the involved parties is the key success determinant.

At present there is inadequate disease forewarning, avoidance, and prevention, with most emphasis being placed on response.  Response is essential but a balance with avoidance is more advantageous.  Prevention is better than cure. 

Economic sustainability through fundamental risk management at present is inadequate to address the massive industry shocks.

As well, innovation and research productivity must be enhanced to be able to achieve world leader status in animal health.

Active participation of the farmed animal working group in the NAHS process is strongly advised.

The development of a new coordinated and aligned National Farmed Animal Health governance system is of prime and fundamental importance.  It must be nimble, and responsive.  Partnership is a key element for progress.

Because of the serious projections for the future of the farmed animal industry, governance is critical and urgent.  The system must address,

• decision making
• roles and responsibilities
• accountability
• dispute resolution.

To be effective and successful, a specific National Farmed Animal Health Plan of Action must consider, clarify, and emphasize

• governance
• disease forewarning and avoidance,
• economic sustainability
• environmental sustainability
• unique enhancement by capitalizing on Canadian innovation,
• sustainability of the National Farmed Animal Health System by developing future leaders and capability,
• the inclusion of all farmed animal groups (commodities),
• a fair and equitable sharing of program costs.