Letters to the Editor  Courrier des lecteurs Ethical question on Canadian regulatory veterinary jurisdictional limitations for PED — A comment Dear Editor, We noted the ethical question of the month in the September 2013 CVJ (Can Vet J 2013;54:817), where Canadian regulatory veterinarians claim jurisdictional limitations hinder them from taking steps to prevent the introduction of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) into Canada, or to respond to initial cases should they occur. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea is neither a listed disease under the guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) nor a federally reportable disease in Canada or the United States. Since the disease has existed in various parts of the world since 1971, including Europe and China, trade restrictions are not expected to be imposed by Canadian federal authorities. Canadian animal health regulatory standards currently require that all breeding swine, Canadian swine returning, and swine fed for slaughter imported into Canada from the United States be inspected, tested, and certified to be found healthy and free from clinical evidence of infectious diseases. As well, pre- and post-import quarantines and retesting requirements are also applied to minimize the risk of disease. In addition to these regulatory measures, producers, swine practitioners, industry representatives, researchers, academics, and representatives from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), and the provincial Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) have been working together to keep PED from entering Canada, ever since PED was identified in the United States on May 17, 2013. Appropriate measures have been developed and implemented to prevent, prepare for, and respond should PED enter Canada, including: heightened biosecurity; enhanced surveillance; provision of technical bulletins/tools; the formation of a national response and communications plan; and the development of diagnostic testing and laboratory capabilities. The creation of the Canadian Swine Health Board (CSHB), the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network and biosecu-

rity standards have contributed to positioning the pork industry to lead and respond in an exemplary manner to the threat posed by the PED virus. The Canadian Pork Council and CSHB have communicated regularly with industry stakeholders to ensure a common approach to the situation, reinforcing messages from the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians, and provincial and CFIA veterinary authorities. The CSHB and CFIA remain in close communication with their United States counterparts, monitoring the situation, looking at new research and providing regular updates. Provincial and territorial CVOs and CFIA veterinarians are providing scientific and technical support to industry in terms of appropriate response measures, epidemiological assistance and diagnostic testing. The CFIA is working in conjunction with the Canadian Border Services Agency to heighten attention at the border to incoming trucks that recently transported swine. While a more definitive formalized approach to decisionmaking will benefit animal health in Canada, it will require a renewed commitment from all partners. Efforts of the National Farmed Animal Welfare Council may lead in a positive direction for Canada’s livestock sector. Planning and prevention with respect to Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea has led to greater understanding and collaboration amongst partners. It would be beneficial to formalize a new approach with agreement from governments and industry in Canada to prevent any misconceptions related to “jurisdictional limitation.” Dr. D. Ian Alexander Chief Veterinary Officer for Canada Executive Director, Animal Health Directorate Canadian Food Inspection Agency Dr. Greg. B. Douglas Chief Veterinarian for Ontario Chair of the Council of Chief Veterinary Officers

Constructive and professional comments made in the spirit of intellectual debate are welcomed by the Editor. Writers are expected to be respectful of others and to ensure that letters are considerate and courteous. The Editor reserves the right to remove comments deemed to be inflammatory or disrespectful. CVJ / VOL 55 / FEBRUARY 2014

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Ethical question on Canadian regulatory veterinary jurisdictional limitations for PED--a comment.

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