Coordinator to Lead Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Efforts
CANADA - Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives (MAFRI) Minister Ron Kostyshyn have announced the appointment of Dr. Allan Preston to help coordinate enhanced bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication efforts in and around Manitoba's Riding Mountain National Park.
17 December 2012
1 minute read
Dr. Preston will guide a multi-stakeholder working group to enhance ongoing TB eradication efforts in the area.
The working group will include senior officials from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Parks Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, Manitoba Conservation, provincial cattle industry associations, conservation groups and First Nations.
"Our Government is committed to protecting livestock health and to providing Canadian producers with opportunities to market their animals and products," said Minister Ritz.
"The appointment of Dr. Preston to lead Riding Mountain TB eradication underscores our commitment to animal health and will facilitate market access, leading to greater exports and increased profits for producers."
Although progress has been made in managing bovine TB in Riding Mountain in recent years, the disease continues to be endemic in wild deer and elk, posing significant challenges for livestock producers in the area. Many producers are required to have their herds tested for TB periodically, in order to protect animal health and maintain market access.
"Our goal as a province is to continue our work with stakeholders in managing TB in livestock herds," said MAFRI Minister Kostyshyn.
"Dr. Preston is well known to Manitoba farmers for his extensive experience and he will be a valuable addition to our efforts to detect, eliminate and prevent the spread of this bovine disease."
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