Surveillance initiative to provide health status
By Dr. Ian Alexander, The Ottawa Citizen December 4, 2012
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is committed to protecting fish health - both wild and farmed. That is why we have undertaken a surveillance initiative, which will provide a comprehensive picture of the health status of salmon in British Columbia.
Our actions are being guided by science and given the importance of this issue, we are taking the steps needed to ensure that the results of our surveillance, whatever they may be, are based on sound verifiable information.
Based on these criteria, it is important to note there have been no confirmed cases of infectious salmon anemia in salmon in B.C.
ISA is a reportable disease, which means all suspected cases must be confirmed at a federal laboratory where tests are conducted according to stringent World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards.
As the OIE stated last week, their reference laboratories are expected to provide high quality disease diagnostic services and to maintain the highest technical and operational standards. It is the prerogative of the OIE and their membership to designate their reference laboratories.
CFIA remains committed to keeping Canadians informed of our work surrounding this important Canadian resource.
Dr. Ian Alexander, Chief Veterinary Officer, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
