ANTHRAX SUPPORT PROGRAMS
The Animal Health column, CFIA changes shift anthrax management to producers, vets, written by Dr. Jamie Rothenburger in the May 30 Western Producer, describes anthrax in livestock and provides details about the changes in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency response to anthrax.
While the CFIA changes do in-crease responsibility for anthrax management and prevention for producers and their herd veterinarians, it is important to note that provincial and territorial governments are developing programs to provide support for anthrax control that will help affected producers and help protect the livestock industry as a whole. Chief veterinary officers in Canada have made this a priority.
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The Pan-Canadian Action Plan on African swine fever has been developed to avoid the worst case scenario — a total loss ofmarket access.
There has been a concerted effort to make these plans as consistent as possible, while recognizing that the anthrax situation varies across Canada and the response has to be tailored to meet the needs of each jurisdiction. These programs will be shared with veterinarians and producers shortly.
It is important to emphasize that anyone who suspects anthrax must still report it to the CFIA district veterinarian.
Legislation in Manitoba and Alberta requires that it be reported to the designated animal health authorities, and this will soon take effect in B.C. and Saskatchewan.
Dr. Gerald Hauer,
Chief provincial veterinarian, Alberta, on behalf of chief veterinary officers for B.C., Man., N.W.T.,
Sask. and Yukon
SEPARATION POSSIBLE?
Many Canadians, including myself, have for years been asking for the abolishment of the very costly, appointed, ineffective Senate, with no results.
Canadians have also been asking our MPs for a complete review and possible changes to our entire parliamentary system of government and the end of costly, ineffective policies such as official bilingualism, equalization payments, etc., but also with no results.
This lack of effort for decades by Ottawa to achieve changes has created the possible threat of separation by western Canadian provinces and territories to form a new country, possibly a Republic of Western Canada with a truly democratic and accountable system of government, but no one in Ottawa was listening.
I’m not a supporter of the policies of the New Democratic Party, but their motion to abolish the Senate is a good motion for the majority of Canadians.
Ken Kellington,
Devon, Alta.
CHOOSE CAGE-FREE
Re: Welfare issue isn’t black and white (WP June 7).
Tim Lambert is correct when he says animal welfare advocates don’t believe all egg production systems are created equal.
Research indicates battery cages compromise birds’ welfare, causing both physical injuries and psychological stress. Unlike cage production, issues in cage-free systems can be addressed by good management.
It is a misconception that stressed hens will not produce. Laying hens have been genetically selected for intensive egg production and will continue to lay eggs even when they are stressed or their well-being is compromised.
WSPA’s Choose Cage-Free Campaign endeavours to support farmers utilizing or wanting to adopt cage-free housing systems for laying hens.
Lynn Kavanagh,
Toronto, Ont.
DON’T DESTROY BOARS
As a longtime hog and livestock farmer and also a small-time livestock agent from near Shelburne in Dufferin County in southern Ontario, I felt very disheartened one evening after listening to a talk show o n CBC radio about the apparent problems that wild boar are causing in the U.S.A. and some Canadian provinces.
I have raised wild boar and many rare-breed hogs that did come from, years ago, some bloodlines of American wild hogs.
Let’s not get too excited about killing all or a lot of the loose and true wild boars in Canada.
Now, I do certainly understand very well they can eat and damage farmers’ crops, etc., and are a total nuisance to homeowners and golf courses, etc., as they may appear at night and perhaps dig a little.
But I do most certainly feel that some American and Canadian auth-orities are not truthful about some things.
Yes, wild boar, if cornered, are very dangerous. I know all about that, having been hurt more than once. But we must remember, we as people do protect our loved ones, etc., and a wild boar sow with a newborn litter is certainly no different. If left alone, they likely will not attack a person, unless scared or feel cornered.
Also, some authorities say many true wild boar are spreading rabies and terrible diseases, but I say what about the big factory hog farms, etc. I have seen many viral diseases in them and not likely a few wild boars roaming around caused that.
So, let’s not let a few do-gooders of city dwellers, etc., perhaps after seeing two or three wild hogs loose in the bush, get too excited. Let’s not destroy such a beautiful and ancient animal.
Let’s perhaps sit down as farmers and producers of wild boars, with the Canadian officials and perhaps we could in areas of too many loose wild boars, have a controlled hunt, perhaps just killing a few, perhaps of the big breeding males, etc.
Yes, do remember wild boar roamed North America likely long before we did, so yes, let’s not let the majestic wild boar all be extinct in Canada. I say what a damn shame if that happens.
G. L. Hanna,
Shelburne, Ont.
SAVE PASTURES
The PFRA pasture system has served the farmer in Western Canada very well. They took the abandoned land and turned it into productive pastures.
The policies and practices are environmentally friendly, using controlled grazing and water systems that have improved carrying capacity greatly.
The federal government’s decision to alter or sell some of the pastures is a big mistake.
(Federal agriculture minister Gerry) Ritz could sell the Grasslands (National) Park at Val Marie for a nice sum of money.
The money could be used to build some sidewalks for Tony Clement, or Peter McKay is probably ready for another helicopter ride, or Bev Oda could spend another night at the Ritz.
Like (prime minster Stephen) Harper says, “you won’t recognize Canada when I get through with it.”
Alvin Arnold,
Regina, Sask.
