The chair of the Canadian Swine Health Board says interest among Canadian pork industry stakeholders in continuing the efforts of the organization remains strong.
The Canadian Swine Health Board was formed in 2009 to address swine health issues at the national level but core federal government funding ended in March 2013 leaving many of the organization’s initiatives in limbo.
CSHB Chair Brian Sullivan says, over the coming weeks, member organizations will be reviewing recommendations contained in a consultant’s report for moving the organization forward.
Swine health remains a high priority and it impacts both the public and private sector and dealing with swine health issues requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders.
At this time the Canadian Swine Health Board’s member organizations will be reviewing the report over the coming weeks.
These organizations include the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Meat Council, the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians, the vet colleges of Canada and my own organization the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and provincial Chief Veterinary Officers are also involved.
Ultimately there needs to be an entity that is industry led with adequate industry support so that’s what the hope is, coming out of this consultation effort, and the discussions amongst the member organizations is to find a strong path forward for such an industry led and industry supported entity.
Sullivan says, while there is strong interest in continuing the program it’s a complex issue that affects different stakeholders differently and how they would support it also varies so the challenge will be working out the correct balance.
