Ontario Taking Additional Action to Protect Flocks

Apr 12, 2022

TORONTO – The Ontario government is taking additional steps to limit the spread of avian influenza among birds in the province. Lisa Thompson, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, on the advice of the Chief Veterinarian for Ontario, has issued a Minister’s Order under the Animal Health Act, 2009, with the purpose of limiting the commingling of birds from different locations in order to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Effective 12:01 a.m. April 9, 2022, the movement to and participation of birds in events where they commingle, such as shows, sales, swaps, fairs, sport and educational displays is prohibited. Temporarily reducing direct contact between birds from different locations will limit the spread of avian influenza and protect animal health, and is an important part of a strong biosecurity plan. This is in addition to Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) requirements in primary control zones. This Order will expire on May 9, 2022, but may be extended if required.

This builds on the government’s actions to limit the spread of high path avian influenza to date, including increasing surveillance and testing capacity and hosting webinars and providing education and resources for all those along the poultry supply chain. As well, the province has expanded mental health supports for poultry farmers and their families as they continue to manage this difficult situation.

Avian influenza is not a threat to food safety but impacts domesticated and wild birds, including chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail, ducks, geese, and guinea fowl. Ontario poultry and eggs are safe to eat when, as always, proper handling and cooking takes place. People working with poultry should take additional precautions and are strongly encouraged to follow all public health guidelines and maintain strict biosecurity.

Avian influenza subtype H5N1 has been identified in Ontario, and eight other provinces, including Nova Scotia, and Alberta, as well as 24 US states. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is leading the disease response to this outbreak of avian influenza.

Source : Ontario

Video: Genomic Technologies and Public Trust - Dr. Ellen Goddard

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Ellen Goddard, Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta, discusses public acceptance of genomic technologies in pork production. She explains why disease resistance is viewed positively, how labeling affects trust, why farmers remain highly credible messengers, and how communication can shape consumer confidence around gene editing. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Not providing information is a choice that can affect long-term public trust."

Meet the guest: Dr. Ellen Goddard / ellen-goddard-11541138 is Professor Emerita at the University of Alberta and an agricultural economist. Her work focuses on consumer behavior, trust, livestock sectors, and public attitudes toward food technologies. She also specializes in economic modeling for pork, beef, and dairy systems. Learn more from Dr. Ellen Goddard on the Swine in Canada Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.