Anthrax Program Adjustments
What is changing?
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is making adjustments to its anthrax program. The Agency will no longer:
- investigate and quarantine anthrax-infected premises
- collect and submit samples for testing
- provide an initial dose of anthrax vaccine for affected herds
- oversee carcass disposal, cleaning and disinfection
- pay an indemnity to help cover the cost of disposing of animal carcasses
What will stay the same?
Anthrax will remain on the reportable disease list, meaning that practitioners and laboratories will still be required to report positive anthrax test results to the CFIA. The Agency will continue to comply with its international reporting obligations to trading partners and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The CFIA will continue to license anthrax vaccine, which is available to private veterinarians through normal distribution channels. It will also provide information on how to properly dispose of anthrax-infected carcasses.
When do these changes come into effect?
These changes will come into effect on April 1, 2013.
Why are these changes being made?
Vaccination is an effective way to protect livestock from anthrax. The vaccine is available to veterinarians through regular distribution channels.
These changes are part of a broader effort to modernize the CFIA's approach to managing certain federally reportable animal diseases that are established in Canada.
By taking steps to modernize its approach to anthrax, the CFIA will be able to focus more resources on emerging disease and foreign animal diseases. This is where federal involvement is critical and aligns with current disease realities.
How did the CFIA arrive at this decision?
The CFIA routinely reviews its animal disease policies and procedures to identify what works well and what needs improvement. These changes are aligned with current science and reflect the reality that anthrax is endemic in the Canadian Prairies.
Will these changes affect human health?
No. While humans are susceptible to anthrax, human cases are rare and mild. For more information on the human health implications of anthrax, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada website.
Will these changes affect trade?
No. These changes are not expected to affect the trade of Canadian livestock and related products. It is internationally understood that anthrax is endemic in Canadian prairie soils.
Will the CFIA continue to respond to anthrax cases until the changes come into effect?
Yes. The CFIA will continue to respond to any anthrax cases until March 31, 2013.
How will anthrax be managed in the future?
Provincial laboratories will continue to deliver diagnostic services for anthrax, and it is expected that the carcass-side research test kit currently in use will continue to be available for use by private practitioners.
Vaccination is an effective way to protect livestock from anthrax. Producers should consult their veterinarians about the risks associated with anthrax and the decision to have their animals vaccinated – especially if their herd resides in an area where the disease has been detected before.
What can livestock producers do to reduce the risk of anthrax?
Livestock producers will continue to play a pivotal role in protecting their animals from anthrax. Producers are encouraged to speak to their veterinarian about having their animals vaccinated early in the spring, especially if their herd is in an area where anthrax has been found before.
While vaccinating livestock is the best protection against anthrax, producers should also
- avoid giving hay that was cut close to the soil or feed that had contact with soil to non-vaccinated animals
- thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment and footwear that may have had contact with contaminated soil
- wash clothes worn when tending to sick animals separately from the rest of the household laundry
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