An awareness campaign focused on key farm management practices that will help keep animals healthy and safeguard the food supply is underway in Canada.

Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound and Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the campaign for the Government of Canada.

“Farmers have a long-standing and successful history of using preventive measures as a means of keeping animals healthy on Canadian farms,” said Mr. Miller on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This campaign will remind farmers that farm-level biosecurity is the best investment they can make to maintain the health of their animals and business.”

As part of the Animal Health Awareness Campaign, producers across Canada will receive tips and information about biosecurity measures. Producers will be encouraged to revisit their biosecurity plans, continue to observe their animals for signs of illness and regularly consult with their veterinarians on the health of their animals.

“Healthy animals strengthen the viability of Canada’s agriculture sector – increasing food safety protection for consumers and building trust and confidence among trading partners,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “Our Government will continue to invest in on-farm biosecurity measures to protect the health of our animals and the industry as a whole.”

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has developed this campaign and national biosecurity standards, protocols and strategies for livestock, poultry and aquaculture production in collaboration with producer organizations, provincial/territorial governments and academia.

For more information about Canada’s campaign to protect animal health, please contact the CFIA by telephone at 1-800-442-2342, or online at www.inspection.gc.ca.