The federal government was urged last week to alleviate the threat of
bovine tuberculosis in Manitoba by culling the wild elk herd in Riding
Mountain National Park.
The wild elk carry bovine TB and cattle producers bordering the park
are concerned that the elk could spread the disease into their herds.
Canadian Alliance agriculture critic Howard Hilstrom raised the issue
in the House of Commons last week and urged Sheila Copps, federal
heritage minister responsible for national parks, to remedy the problem.
Read Also
Agriculture ministers commit to enhancing competitiveness
Canadian ag ministers said they want to ensure farmers, ranchers and processors are competitive through ongoing regulatory reform and business risk management programs that work.
“When will the minister of Canadian Heritage begin to take this problem
seriously and reduce this threat by culling the herd in Riding Mountain
Park?” Hilstrom asked.
Another TB outbreak in a Manitoba cattle herd could cost the province
its tuberculosis-free status, which would prompt restrictions on the
movement of cattle out of Manitoba.
Canada’s tuberculosis-free status might also be lost, at least
temporarily, if another outbreak occurs.
Hilstrom said Riding Mountain National Park does not have enough feed
or habitat to support the number of wild elk residing there.
The overcrowding adds to the justification for culling the elk herd, he
said. “We do not want to see the animals eliminated but we sure want to
see them reduced.”
Copps replied that Ottawa is relying on the expertise of scientists
working with area residents to find a balance that protects the elk, as
well as the future of cattle producers around the park.
“The reason we asked scientists to carry on this very important work is
precisely because it should not be left in the hands of politicians.”
Hilstrom told the heritage minister that her stance on the issue is
putting Canadian cattle producers in serious jeopardy.
“The minister of agriculture is trying to help farmers,” he said. “This
minister is trying to destroy the livelihood of farmers and ranchers.”
According to Hilstrom, the loss of the TB-free designation would cost
Canada’s livestock industry millions of dollars in lost exports and
increased production costs.
