Biosecurity and emergency preparedness programs gap analysis
September 11, 2012
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On behalf of the beef, veal, sheep and goat sectors, this Ontario Veal Association led project was developed with $186,984 in funding in an effort to reduce losses from endemic disease in Ontario and assist in preventing new disease from entering these industries. Information and analysis of each of the participating livestock sectors were supported by a steering committee of industry representatives and producer working groups. These same producers were to complete a farm biosecurity and emergency risk assessment which was summarized in a final report. The analysis of diseases affecting each species was confirmed by groups of veterinarians, who had expertise in one or more of the subject sectors. Both biosecurity and emergency preparedness gaps were determined. An implementation plan addressing deficiencies was developed both for joint implementation, where feasible, and for sector specific implementation. The project was successful at identifying the industry’s biggest vulnerabilities for biosecurity programs and emergency preparedness.
As traceability expands to more livestock commodities, the transfer of animal health information at the point of sale will become easier and will be addressed. Outreach was limited to the direct participants, and based on the gap analysis, preliminary communication templates were prepared for future use. The results of the project were highlighted in sector-specific newsletter articles and featured in each commodity’s magazine.
Investment in this project was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Adaptation Programming and administered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council.
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