Development of a code of practice for bison is now underway.
The National Farm Animal Care Council, which has completed seven livestock codes of practice and has five others in process, made the bison announcement Feb. 11.
The code of practice relating to bison was last updated in 2001, according to Canadian Bison Association president Mark Silzer.
He said the new code is expected to provide “clear and transparent practices on accepted bison care and handling.”
The codes for other livestock species list requirements and recommendations for housing, nutrition, handling and transport.
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The codes “serve as our national understanding of animal care requirements and recommended best practices,” said a news release from animal care council.
“They are educational tools, reference materials for regulations and the foundation for farm animal care assessment programs.”
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association will provide its perspectives as part of code development. Said Dr. Roy Lewis, the veterinary representative on the code committee.
Jeffrey Spooner, a social scientist in the animal welfare field, has been hired as secretary for the process.
Producer members include Silzer, Frank McAllister, Sharif Fahamy and Todd Dowd. The committee also includes members representing transport, animal welfare, retail and food service, processors, government and researchers.
The scientific committee includes John Church, Rob McCorkell and Jayson Galbraith.
Code development is expected to take several years.
Contact barb.glen@producer.com
