B.C. announces funding to protect farms from animal diseases
Posted March 16, 2023 2:48 pm.
The B.C. government has announced $5 million in provincial funding to help farms protect and respond to animal diseases like the avian flu, swine fever, and foot-and-mouth disease.
Agriculture Minister Pam Alexis was at Canadian Organic Feeds in Chilliwack on Thursday for the announcement and says the money will also help with research.
“[It] will also be used for the acquisition of equipment needed to respond to an outbreak, as well as the research and implementation of biosecurity and other mitigation measures,” Alexis said.
Not only will the money help with protecting farm animals, but Alexis says it will also help create a more secure economy.
“It’s important that we work together and stay vigilant to protect farmers and their animals, which in turn, protects B.C.’s economy and our food security,” she said.
Chilliwack-Kent MLA Kelly Paddon says the money will make a big difference in the Fraser Valley, and across the province.
“The avian influenza outbreak that we’ve seen here in B.C. and globally, has had significant impacts on the poultry sector. And this investment will help in many ways going forward,” Paddon said.
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Last month, eight skunks found dead in Vancouver and Richmond tested positive for the same strain of bird flu that caused the deaths of millions of domestic poultry since an outbreak began in April of 2022.
“Animal diseases, such as avian influenza, have a huge impact on farmers. Funding that will help us plan for and mitigate the impacts of these diseases is very welcomed,” Mark Siemens, the president of the BC Egg producers association, said.
“Poultry farmers particularly appreciate the fact that this funding is available to a wide variety of applicants so we can take advantage of best practices from across the animal agriculture sector.”
-With files from OMNI News
