N.S. Supports Federal Foot and Mouth

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES–-N.S. Supports Federal Foot and Mouth Action

The Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries is taking a proactive approach on foot and mouth disease through several actions.

They include joint efforts with the industry-based Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture and the lead federal regulatory body, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

"My staff have been working with industry and the CFIA to better inform farmers, visitors and the general public on this disease that has hurt European livestock farms," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

"We have offered the services of our provincial inspection staff to the CFIA to assist with surveillance at provincial entry points such as the airport and seaports. We have also participated in forming a working group made up of members of industry and government to develop a strategy on getting information out, assisting in precautionary measures, determining early detection signs of the disease, and what actions should be taken if the disease should ever reach our province."

Foot and mouth disease is a highly communicable viral disease that affects cattle, swine, sheep, goats, deer and other cloven-hoofed ruminants, but does not pose a significant threat to human health.

The CFIA is the lead agency in advising international travellers about the disease and how to reduce the risk of bringing the virus to Canada. Visitors from the U.K. will likely see an increase in the foot baths and baggage surveillance at Canadian airports. Products from affected countries -- such as meat and meat products, livestock animals, some dairy products and associated byproducts -- are being restricted.

"In light of the recent epidemic in Europe and due to the seriousness of the disease, the provincial department is prepared to support the efforts of the CFIA with disease prevention measures if required,” Mr. Fage said. “We have veterinary pathology specialists, laboratory and technical capacity, and a network of agricultural industry contacts, which may help the CFIA be more effective if an outbreak occurs in Nova Scotia."

Currently, the provincial department is informing farmers and provincially inspected meat plant operators about the risks of the disease, methods of detection and how to limit the risks to their facilities. The provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Department will continue its mandatory inspection efforts at the 20 abattoirs in the province, using inspection techniques and analysis to detect illness conditions, including foot and mouth disease.

“We have a high level of confidence in the Federal Inspection Agency,” said Laurence Nason, executive director of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. “However, we don’t want to overlook any possibilities of this disease developing. Together with the provincial and federal governments we will continue to inform the farm communities."

There have been no outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Canada since 1952 and that outbreak did not impact Nova Scotia livestock.

"The national disease-prevention measures and various inspection practices in Canada and Nova Scotia have proven to be reliable and very effective," said Mr. Fage. “We will continue to work with the CFIA supporting their efforts to update farmers and the general public on prevention measures and information on precautions including how to detect symptoms.”

If a producer suspects a case of foot and mouth, he or she is asked to contact a large-animal veterinarian immediately.

Should there be a case of foot and mouth in Nova Scotia, the provincial department of Agriculture and Fisheries would advise industry and the general public, and keep them informed about the situation. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency would take the lead in containing and managing the affected areas through quarantine and any number of other bio-security measures, from disinfecting clothing and limiting farm access, to destroying animals.

The CFIA has issued a fact sheet outlining various information on foot and mouth.

The document notes that all travellers are being advised to take the necessary precautions to keep foot and mouth disease from entering Canada. This applies especially to visitors coming to Canada for national livestock shows, fairs and sales, for international events, or as farm exchange students.

Livestock owners and producers are advised to exercise caution before admitting visitors onto their farms, as are organizers of national and international agricultural events hosted in Canada. Visitors to Canada are asked to follow these simple precautionary measures:

• Declare all meat, dairy or other animal products that you are bringing into Canada.

• If you must visit a farm, make sure that clothing and footwear are free from soil or manure. Clean and disinfect footwear by washing with a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Machine-wash clothes in hot water or have them dry cleaned.

• As recommended by the International Office of Animal Diseases, it is advisable to wait 14 days before visiting a Canadian farm if you have been in contact with livestock, or been on a farm, or travelled extensively in a country that has foot and mouth disease.

For livestock producers and organizers of shows and events:

• Exercise caution before allowing visitors on farms or livestock events. Make them aware of the risks and the precautions to take. Although humans are not susceptible to foot and mouth disease, they can serve as carriers.

• Advise visitors to take additional sanitary precautions, such as washing and disinfecting all personal effects and equipment that have accompanied them. It is particularly important to clean and disinfect footwear as described above. Provide protective footwear and clothing.

• Organizers of shows and events may take extra precautions such as installing disinfectant footbaths/footmats at the entrance of show facilities and providing notices to international visitors.

For further information regarding foot and mouth disease, contact

the CFIA Web site at: www.inspection.gc.ca or
call: 1-877-227-0677 (hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)