Animal Health Week: Focus on preventive veterinary care

October 1, 2012, Ottawa: In recognition of Animal Health Week, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) are reminding livestock producers and pet owners that providing routine veterinary care helps protect animal health.

The focus of this year's Animal Health Week (September 30 to October 6) is "Preventive Veterinary Care . . . for the Health of it!"

On the farm, veterinarians play an important role in herd health. They can develop vaccination strategies and help plan and implement disease prevention and biosecurity programs.

"Sound biosecurity practices can help protect livestock from serious diseases," said Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Ian Alexander. "Some of these diseases could close foreign markets to Canadian product and have a devastating economic impact."

Producers can work with their veterinarian to develop a biosecurity plan tailored to their farm. Examples of farm-level biosecurity practices include:

  • keeping barns and equipment clean and sanitary
  • providing farm workers and visitors with clean clothing and footwear
  • consulting with a veterinarian if animals are sick.

For Canadian families with pets, preventive veterinary care also helps protect people. Some parasites and diseases can be transmitted to humans.

"Veterinarians can provide Canadian families with guidance on taking proper animal health preventive measures to protect pets in their households," said CVMA president Dr. Jim Fairles. "Veterinarians can implement a protection plan that includes preventive anti-parasitic treatments and up-to-date vaccinations."

For more information on the CVMA’s annual Animal Health Week, please visit www.canadianveterinarians.net.

To learn more about biosecurity:

  • call 1-800-442-2342
  • visit www.inspection.gc.ca/biosecurity

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For media inquiries

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-773-6600

Tanya Frye, Manager, Communications
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) 613-236-1162, ext. 128