Federal government pledges more than $13 million to animal health, disease readiness

National animal health and disease preparedness has received an influx of more than $13 million in federal cash.

Glengarry-Prescott-Russell MP Francis Drouin announced the funding at the Animal Health Canada (AHC) forum in Ottawa this morning.

The money will be split between AHC’s three divisions: Emergency Management, the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) and the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System.

Up to $3.53 million is earmarked for animal health surveillance. In a news release, the government said AHC would expand its surveillance networks and shift to a “One Health approach” with the aim to reduce the impacts of potential disease outbreaks.

According to the World Health Organization, a One Health approach considers human, animal and environmental health and incorporates experts from each field.

A further $5,000,000 was pledged to improve emergency management practices through developing plans; training industry staff and producers; and testing industry preparedness.

AHC will also receive $4.81 million to update, amend, and review several NFACC codes of practice.