Workshop january 2008

National Animal Health Strategy (NAHS)
Multi-partner Workshop

January 15-16, 2008

January 2008 Workshop Summary Report

Part 1: Considering the Proposed Scope

Within the NAHS Scope:

1. terrestrial and aquatic animals, including vertebrates and invertebrates that fall into the categories of animals raised for food, animals used for companionship, animals for social benefits and enjoyment including wildlife, animals used for non-food products, working animals and animals used for science, research, development and education
2. clearly defined roles, responsibilities and governance models integrated throughout all animal health sectors, incorporated into the Strategy to specifically address the authority for decisions on animal health and welfare issues
3. a belief in the value of biodiversity: a diverse pool of genetic resources in Canadian animal populations is conducive to maintaining the potential of populations to adapt to the incursion of disease and other factors affecting health; the increased production of a limited genetic diversity in the animal population reduces the potential for disease resilience, while more diversity in species will also potentially lead to enhanced options for future innovation
4. a reduction in the geographic density of farming operations with related species will benefit the health and welfare of animals in Canada, as indicated for example, by the spread of avian influenza in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia
5. emergency response procedures and coordinated emergency action plans for disease outbreaks, quarantines and epidemiological investigations should be an animal health management function considered in the development of strategic objectives and actions

Outside the NAHS Scope:

1. financial support to non-government partners for the loss of income and compensation levels for animals destroyed should remain subject to the legislation, regulations and procedures established

1. the reform of meat inspection systems and procedures should remain the focus of federal, provincial and territorial initiatives, which intend to harmonize, standardize and coordinate inspection systems at variously registered or unregistered meat processing establishments
2. the policy development efforts for Species at Risk should not be considered in the recommendations of the Strategy's strategic actions, but rather remain in the purview of authorities that are developing policy in this area
3. the regulations for Medicated Feed developed in collaboration with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Health Canada and industry associations should be treated separately
4. the regulations, program measures and education on food safety and food security should not be included in an animal health strategy
5. legislation, policy and regulations governing the development of genetically modified animals should be addressed by mechanisms outside the scope of the NAHS.

Participants were asked to comment on the scope, guiding principles and strategic outcomes proposed in the draft NAHS.  A list of the comments received is presented below.

• Comments on what is proposed to be WITHIN the scope of the NAHS
• Comments on what is proposed to be OUTSIDE the scope of the NAHS