Violating biosecurity puts farms and jobs at risk
Mainstream Canada, Fri, 2012-05-18
Tofino filmmaker and environmental activist Warren Rudd, who was collecting video footage on behalf of CHEK TV, violated biosecurity measures around Dixon Bay farm, despite being asked to stay away because the fish were quarantined.
Rudd's deliberate violation puts farmed salmon at other sites at risk. His actions are being investigated by the RCMP and by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Mainstream Canada is considering legal action against the parties involved.
Salmon farming provides approximately 160 jobs on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and contributes millions of dollars to the local economy. The actions of Rudd and others could jeopardize these positive economic benefits.
Mainstream Canada announced on May 17 that its Dixon Bay farm site had been quarantined to control all movements in and out of the area. The purpose of quarantine is to minimize any risks of spreading the IHN virus from one location to another. This quarantine was ordered under the authority of the CFIA.
The CFIA's authority is under the Health of Animals Act and the Health of Animals Regulations. Any violations can be prosecuted as a criminal offence.
Mainstream Canada reminds all community members, media, activists and boats to respect biosecurity measures around all salmon farms, and Dixon Bay farm in particular.
