What's Happening?
Animal Health Canada (AHC) has announced its strategic goals for 2030, focusing on improving the health and welfare of farmed animals across Canada. The organization aims to advance farmed animal welfare,
strengthen disease prevention and response capacity, build resilient disease surveillance systems, and address antimicrobial resistance. AHC plans to collaborate with federal and provincial governments, as well as industry organizations, to achieve these objectives. Key initiatives include developing credible Codes of Practice, enhancing biosecurity measures, and improving disease surveillance and response capabilities. The organization also emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial stewardship to protect animal health and food safety.
Why It's Important?
These strategic goals are crucial for ensuring the health and welfare of livestock, which directly impacts the agricultural industry and food security. By focusing on disease prevention and biosecurity, AHC aims to protect livestock from major threats such as Foot-and-Mouth Disease and African Swine Fever. This proactive approach can help minimize economic losses and maintain market access for Canadian farmers. Additionally, improving animal welfare standards and antimicrobial stewardship supports sustainable farming practices and enhances public trust in the agricultural sector. The collaboration between government and industry stakeholders is essential for implementing effective and practical solutions.
What's Next?
AHC will work towards implementing its strategic goals by engaging with stakeholders and developing practical solutions for on-farm realities. The organization plans to provide training programs and resources to support farmers in adopting improved animal welfare and biosecurity practices. As these initiatives progress, AHC will monitor their impact on livestock health and industry resilience. Continued collaboration and communication with industry partners will be key to achieving the desired outcomes and ensuring the long-term success of these strategies. The focus on antimicrobial resistance and disease surveillance will remain a priority to safeguard animal health and food safety.
