Farmed Animals Working Group

Documents - Workshop September 2007

Issue Template - Farmed Animals

FARMED ANIMALS WORKING GROUP

The Farmed Animal Working Group, led by the Canadian Animal Health Coalition (CAHC), will examine issues related to the farmed terrestrial livestock sector.

The Farmed Animal Working Group, led by L’Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA), represents all farmed animal producers, including those involved in aquaculture.

DEFINITION – Animal Health

No definition to propose.
Discussion comments:

• The definition must acknowledge/accept the use of animals for human consumption/benefit.
• The current definition could apply to diseases, which are also living organisms, thus preventing their eradication/control.
• The current definition could prevent slaughter.
• The current definition implies the preservation of species, which may be valid but may not be an animal health issue or a primary interest for the farmed animal sector.

DEFINITION – Animal Welfare

No definition to propose.
Discussion comments:

• The farmed animal sector may be unable to consider certain aspects of animal welfare that are acceptable to other species groups, or of an animal welfare definition that is acceptable to other species groups.
• It may be difficult to maintain some aspects of animal welfare when responding to a disease outbreak.
• A clear understanding of where animal care fits is required before finalizing a definition.

ISSUES related to Farmed Animals

1. Lack of clarity in the roles and responsibilities of governments and industry stakeholders in Canada’s animal health system
2. Fragmented animal health research, with funding often based on short-term projects  
3. Lack of applied research to improve animal management practices in Canada
4. Lack of harmonization among legislative/regulatory and policy requirements of all levels of governments
5. Lack of policy/program development support for industry   
6. Unclear decision-making criteria for compensation of producers after market collapse subsequent to an outbreak
7. Priority-setting decisions of governments not always in line with what industry needs
8. All countries have their own animal health requirements that are not always in line with those defined by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)  
9. The lack of new pharmaceutical products in Canada provides a competitive advantage to  U.S. producers  
10. Disease transmission from wildlife to farmed animals can have significant consequences for the sector

PROPOSED NAHS OUTCOMES

1. Protect Canadians from animal-related health risks.
2. Strengthen domestic and international confidence in the integrity of Canada’s animal health, environment protection and food safety systems.
3. Minimize the economic, social and environmental consequences of animal diseases through the application of prudent guidelines for animal health practices.
4. Sustain the health of animal populations by maintaining access to gene pools for breed improvement purposes.
5. Develop an integrated governance system to manage Canada’s animal health system.
6. Ensure the viability of the farmed animal sector by implementing affordable policies.
7. Support the differentiation and enhancement of animal products in the marketplace.
8. Ensure timely response to emerging issues to capture opportunities as soon as they arise, or to minimize the impact of potential threats.
9. Allow only those animals imported into Canada that have experienced a similar level of quality of care as those expected from Canadian producers.
10. Seek innovation through research or other means to advance Canada’s animal health system.
11. Ensure Canada’s animal health system is nimble and responsive to change by supporting innovation and education, thus ensuring a robust and sustainable farmed animal sector.
12. Seek international recognition and acceptance of the quality of our animal health system.