Episodes
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Les moustiques - si vous vivez au Canada, vous devez faire face à ces insectes nuisibles pendant une grande partie du printemps et de l'été. Avec le réchauffement climatique, il est probable que nous verrons apparaître quelques nouvelles variétés de cet insecte irritant dans l'espace aérien canadien, et malheureusement, la variété des espèces signifie également que nous devons faire face à de nouvelles maladies à transmission vectorielle.
Les moustiques sont porteurs et contribuent à la propagation d'une variété de conditions infectieuses à une variété d'espèces - il est donc important pour la santé publique et la santé animale de garder "l’œil dans le ciel" et de surveiller leurs mouvements, leur propagation et leurs préférences en matière d'habitat.
Heureusement, le Canada dispose d'un groupe de chercheurs qui surveillent et d'étudient ce phénomène. Dre Antoinette Ludwig, vétérinaire et épidémiologiste au Laboratoire national de microbiologie de l'Agence de la santé publique du Canada, et Marc Avramov, candidat au doctorat à l'Université Carlton, étudient les maladies transmises par les moustiques et le risque qu'elles représentent pour les populations humaines et animales, ainsi que l'impact du changement climatique sur ces maladies.
Liens d’intérêt:
Informations sur la Dre Antoinette Ludwig et ses recherchesDétails du projet Timo-CSRelationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysisAvramov, Marc & Thaivalappil, Abhinand & Ludwig, Antoinette & Miner, Lauren & Cullingham, Catherine & Waddell, Lisa & Lapen, David. (2023). Relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Entomology. 10.1093/jme/tjad139. Informations sur Marc Avramov et ses recherches -
Mosquitoes – if you live in Canada, you deal with these pesky bugs for a significant portion of the spring and summer. With warming global temperatures, it is likely that we will see a few new varieties of this irritating insect appear in the Canadian airspace, and unfortunately, this also means we have some new vector-borne diseases to deal with.
Mosquitoes carry and help to spread a variety of infectious conditions to a variety of species – so keeping an “eye on the sky” and monitoring their movement, spread, and habitat preferences is important to public health and animal health.
Luckily, Canada has a group of researchers that are working to monitor and study this very thing. Dr. Antoinette Ludwig, a veterinarian and epidemiologist with the National Microbiology Laboratory at the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Carleton University PhD candidate Marc Avramov, both study the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and the risk they pose for both human and animal populations, as well as the impact of climate change on these disease patterns.
Links of Interest:
Information about Dr. Antoinette Ludwig and her researchTimo-CS project detailsRelationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysisAvramov, Marc & Thaivalappil, Abhinand & Ludwig, Antoinette & Miner, Lauren & Cullingham, Catherine & Waddell, Lisa & Lapen, David. (2023). Relationships between water quality and mosquito presence and abundance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Medical Entomology. 10.1093/jme/tjad139. Information about Marc Avramov and his research -
Missing episodes?
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Les antibiotiques (un type de médicament antimicrobien) sont utilisés autant en médecine vétérinaire qu’en médecine humaine pour traiter et prévenir les infections bactériennes. Les médicaments antimicrobiens sont classés en fonction du type d'agent pathogène qu'ils combattent - par exemple, les antibiotiques sont utilisés contre les bactéries, les antiviraux contre les virus, les antifongiques contre les infections fongiques, etc. Le développement de la résistance aux antibiotiques ou aux antimicrobiens a mis en évidence l'utilisation des antimicrobiens dans le monde de la médecine humaine et dans le monde vétérinaire, conduisant à une surveillance accrue de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens (UMA) et des pratiques de dispensation, ainsi qu'à la surveillance de la résistance à ces médicaments. Au cours des dernières années, les vétérinaires et les producteurs du monde entier ont connu de nombreux changements concernant la manière dont les antimicrobiens, en particulier les antibiotiques, peuvent être prescrits, délivrés et utilisés pour la gestion des maladies des animaux d'élevage.
Le Dr Mohamed Rhouma, vétérinaire, microbiologiste et professeur adjoint à la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, a voulu comprendre comment ces changements ont affecté la surveillance de l’utilisation des antimicrobiens et le développement de la résistance aux antimicrobiens chez les animaux d'élevage - et faire le point sur les connaissances actuelles en lien avec le rôle des animaux de production dans la propagation de la résistance aux antimicrobiens aux humains dans une perspective One Health. Dans ce but, Dr Rhouma et ses collègues de l'Université de Montréal et de l'Université de Gand (Belgique) ont effectué une revue de l'état actuel des connaissances sur ce sujet sous la forme d’un article qui a été publié dans la revue Veterinary sciences en septembre 2022.
Liens d’intérêt:
Rhouma M, Soufi L, Cenatus S, Archambault M, Butaye P. Current Insights Regarding the Role of Farm Animals in the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance from a One Health Perspective. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(9):480. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090480Rhouma, M.; Archambault, M.; Butaye, P. Antimicrobial Use andResistance in Animals from a One Health Perspective. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050319SCSSA Aperçu de la surveillance canadienne: une vue d'ensemble des principales initiatives de l'usage et de la résistance aux antimicrobiens chez les animaux.Fiche d'information sur les mesures et indicateurs de l'UAM chez les animaux: Décrit quelles mesures sont utilisées pour la quantification et le signalement de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens chez les animauxSCSSA Rapports sur l'utilisation des antimicrobiens: Outil pour choisir les mesures et indicateurs -
Antibiotics (one type of antimicrobial medication) are used in both veterinary and human medicine to treat and to prevent bacterial infections. Antimicrobial medications are classified based on the kind of pathogen they fight – for example, antibiotics are used against bacteria, antivirals against viruses, antifungals against fungal infections, etc. The development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlighted the use of antimicrobials in the human and veterinary worlds, leading to increased monitoring of antimicrobial use (AMU) and dispensing practices, as well as surveillance of resistance to these medications. In recent years veterinarians and producers around the world experienced many changes regarding how antimicrobials, specifically antibiotics, can be prescribed, dispensed and used for management of farmed animal diseases.
Dr. Mohamed Rhouma, a veterinarian, microbiologist and assistant professor at the Faculty of veterinary medicine at the University of Montreal, wanted to get a sense of how these changes have affected AMU and AMR in farm animals – and to provide an update on what we know right now regarding the role of farm animals in the spread of AMR to humans from a One Health perspective. To this end, he and his colleagues from University of Montreal and Ghent University (Belgium) performed a review of the current state of knowledge on this topic and the resulting paper was published in the journal Veterinary sciences in September 2022.
Links of Interest:
Rhouma M, Soufi L, Cenatus S, Archambault M, Butaye P. Current Insights Regarding the Role of Farm Animals in the Spread of Antimicrobial Resistance from a One Health Perspective. Veterinary Sciences. 2022; 9(9):480. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9090480Rhouma, M.; Archambault, M.; Butaye, P. Antimicrobial Use andResistance in Animals from a One Health Perspective. Vet. Sci. 2023, 10, 319. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10050319CAHSS Cross Canada Snapshot: Key Surveillance Initiatives for Antimicrobial Use and Resistance in Farm AnimalsCAHSS Metrics and Indicators for reporting antimicrobial use in animalsCAHSS Tool to develop an antimicrobial use plan and how to report antimicrobial use -
Ces dernières années, le monde porcin a connu une vague d'activités visant à gérer et à prévenir la propagation de la peste porcine africaine à travers le monde. Cette maladie (qui n'infecte que les porcs) a eu de graves répercussions sur la santé et la production porcine mondialement, causant souvent la mort de près de 100 % des porcs infectés. Au Canada, jusqu'à présent, nous avons eu la chance de maintenir le statut de pays indemne pour la peste porcine africaine, ce qui signifie que la maladie est absente du territoire. Tous les groupes de surveillance des maladies porcines, les vétérinaires porcins nationaux, provinciaux et praticiens ainsi les producteurs se concentrent sur la surveillance et la prévention de cette maladie au Canada.
Dans le cadre de nombreuses initiatives de prévention de la peste porcine africaine, ici au Canada, un programme de surveillance et de dépistage a été créé pour aider à réduire le risque pour le cheptel porcin canadien. CanSpotASF est un programme de dépistage collaboratif qui fonctionne au niveau de laboratoires de diagnostic animal accrédités et spécifiques et dans les abattoirs provinciaux et fédéraux pour aider à détecter la PPA tôt si et quand elle apparaît, afin de minimiser l'impact de la PPA sur les porcs canadiens et les producteurs, et tous ceux qui travaillent dans l'industrie porcine canadienne.
La Dre Karine Talbot, vétérinaire porcine et directrice de la santé animale chez HyLife Inc. et membre de l'un des nombreux groupes de travail CanSpotASF, s'entretient avec moi aujourd'hui pour passer en revue les avantages de ce programme de dépistage et le rôle des vétérinaires et producteurs porcins. dans la surveillance de la PPA.
Liens d’intérêt:
Résumé en une page de CanaVeillePPA (Santé animale Canada (SAC))Surveillance de la PPA: CanaVeillePPA (SAC)CanaVeillePPA : laboratoires agréés - Description à l’intention des médecins vétérinaires (SAC) CanaVeillePPA : laboratoires agréés - Description à l'intention des producteurs (SAC)CanaVeillePPA : analyses du matériel condamné dans les abattoirsDocument technique de CanaVeillePPA sur les analyses dans les laboratoires agréésCanSpotASF approved diagnostic testing laboratories (as of Apr. 20, 2023):Laboratoire de santé animale (LSA)le Ontario Animal Health Laboratoryle Prairie Diagnostic Servicesl'Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Agri-Food Laboratoriesle B.C. Animal Health CentreNote: The CanSpotASF risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories pilot is open to all Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) laboratories. CAHSN laboratories that are not approved for ASF testing can submit samples to a network laboratory that is approved. -
The past few years in the swine world have seen a flurry of activity to manage and prevent the movement of African Swine Fever around the globe. This disease (which only infects pigs) has had severe impacts on swine health and production worldwide, often causing death of almost 100% of infected pigs. In Canada thus far we have been lucky to maintain ASF disease-free status, which means this disease is not present here. All swine disease surveillance groups, national, provincial and front-line swine veterinarians and producers are focused on vigilant monitoring and prevention of this disease in Canada.
As part of many ASF prevention initiatives, here in Canada a surveillance and testing program was created to help reduce the risk for Canadian swine herd. CanSpotASF is a collaborative diagnostic screening program that works at the level of specific, approved animal diagnostic laboratories and at provincial and federal abattoirs to help detect ASF early if and when it appears, in order to minimize the impact of ASF on Canadian pigs and producers, and all those who work in the Canadian swine industry.
Dr. Karine Talbot, a swine veterinarian, and the Director of Animal Health with HyLife Inc. and a member of several CanSpotASF working groups, reviews the benefits of this screening program and the role for swine vets and producers in ASF surveillance.
Links of Interest:
Overview of CanSpotASF program from Animal Health Canada (AHC)Details on CanSpotASF program, testing and diagnostic laboratories from AHCInformation for Veterinarians from AHCInformation for Producers on CanSpotASF from AHCInformation for Abattoirs on CanSpotASF from AHCCanSpotASF Approved Laboratory TestingCanSpotASF approved diagnostic testing laboratories (as of Apr. 20, 2023):the MAPAQ laboratory in Quebecthe Ontario Animal Health LaboratoryPrairie Diagnostic ServicesAlberta Agriculture and Forestry Agri-Food LaboratoriesB.C. Animal Health CentreNote: The CanSpotASF risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories pilot is open to all Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) laboratories. CAHSN laboratories that are not approved for ASF testing can submit samples to a network laboratory that is approved. -
With foaling season upon us, it is the perfect time to take stock of our infection prevention and control practices - we want to ensure our mares have easy foalings and produce the healthiest offspring possible. The first few months of a foal’s life can be challenging as their immune system develops – even in ideal situations they may face bacterial, viral or parasitic infections that can make or break their future health. Dr. Ashley Whitehead, a veterinary internal medicine specialist and associate professor in equine clinical sciences at the University of Calgary, has a passion for all things related to foal health, and reviews how we can optimize foal immunity in this critical first few months of life.
Links of Interest:
Evaluation and Care of Newborn Foals, American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP)Foaling Mare & Newborn: Preparing for a Safe & Successful Foal Delivery, AAEPNeonatal care, AAEPFoal Care from Birth to 30 days (AAEP 2003), TheHorse.com -
There are a number of health challenges that are prevalent in pig production – and we know that biosecurity is the name of the game when it comes to disease prevention. Some diseases seem to evade even the strongest biosecurity plans and this can be frustrating for producers and their veterinarians as they try to achieve optimum care for their herds.
Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome is a disease that has circulated in the swine world for years – however a recent highly pathogenic strain of this virus is challenging pig herds. Dr. Doug MacDougald, a swine veterinarian working out of Southwest Ontario Veterinary Services has worked with producers in North America who have experienced outbreaks of this highly pathogenic PRRS strain – 144 Lineage 1C – and shares some case studies and practical tips for disease prevention.
Links of Interest:
Resources for PRRS strain 144-1c outbreaks from Swine Health Information CentreHighly pathogenic PRRSV 1-4-4 L1C variant: emergence, sources, and implications to the global industry. by Daniel Linhares, Giovani Trevisan, and Gustavo Silva at Pig333.comEmergence of a New Lineage 1C Variant of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 in the United States. Kikuti Mariana, Paploski Igor A. D., Pamornchainavakul Nakarin, Picasso-Risso Catalina, Schwartz Mark, Yeske Paul, Leuwerke Brad, Bruner Laura, Murray Deborah, Roggow Brian D., Thomas Pete, Feldmann Lori, Allerson Matt, Hensch Melissa, Bauman Tyler, Sexton Brent, Rovira Albert, VanderWaal Kimberly, Corzo Cesar A. Emergence of a New Lineage 1C Variant of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 2 in the United States. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 8, 2021. Swine Health Information Center, AASV and Iowa State University Seminar on Emerging PRRS Strains and Rosalia Feb. 21, 2023 -
Medical doctors and veterinarians both include antimicrobials (antibiotics) in their medical tool-kits to treat bacterial infections. In this age of antimicrobial resistance, both types of medical professionals are keenly aware of the necessity for judicious use of antimicrobials for their patients. Zoonotic bacteria are of particular interest to both human and vet medicine as they can infect a variety of species. To practice excellent antimicrobial stewardship, veterinary and public health specialists work together to monitor and assess the prevalence of zoonotic bacteria and resistance patterns of these bacteria to different antimicrobials. The Canadian Dairy Network for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance was created with input from experts, producers and veterinarians across Canada, and will provide valuable information to improve herd health and public health in the years to come. Drs. Javier Sanchez and Luke Heider spearheaded this collaborative project to develop a scaffold for monitoring zoonotic bacteria of public health significance and the use of antimicrobials on Canadian dairy farms.
Links of Interest:
Canadian Dairy Network for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Resistance (CaDNetASR): An On-Farm Surveillance System Fonseca Mariana, Heider Luke C., Léger David, Mcclure J. Trenton, Rizzo Daniella, Dufour Simon, Kelton David F., Renaud David, Barkema Herman W., Sanchez Javier. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, Vol. 8, 2022. DOI=10.3389/fvets.2021.799622 ISSN=2297-1769 Surveillance of antimicrobial use and resistance to improve stewardship practices and animal health on dairy farmsSurveillance in Action: Can. Dairy Network of Antimicrobial Stewardship & Resistance, Dairy Research Seminar. Oct 12, 2022CadNetDASR information from University of Calgary, One Health Consortium -
Most people are at least vaguely familiar with Rabies - a fatal zoonotic disease that affects thousands of people and animals around the world. In North America, we are lucky to think about rabies rarely – usually in the context of an animal bite, or maybe faint memories of “Old Yeller” the movie, or when and if a bat gets into the house. Canadian veterinarians may see a case or two of rabies every few years in horses, cattle, dogs or cats, and occasionally in other mammalian species.
With the surge of dogs imported into Canada through the pandemic the possibility of people being exposed to rabies from a pet dog has become more of a risk. Dr. Martin Appelt, the Senior Director of the Animal Health Programs Division at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, reviews the recent changes to import requirements for dogs, and the reasons for their implementation to protect Canadians.
Links of Interest:
CFIA Notice to industry: New measure prohibiting the entry of commercial dogs from countries at high-risk for dog rabiesCountries at High Risk for dog rabiesQuestions to ask before you purchase or adopt an imported dogCVMA Information on Canine Importation into CanadaCVMA Dog importation checklistPreventing Rabies in Imported Dogs - Dr. Scott Weese -
Chaque année, une journée est dédiée à une campagne internationale de sensibilisation pour souligner l'importance de la rage, une zoonose mortelle qui touche des milliers de personnes et d'animaux dans le monde. En Amérique du Nord, nous avons la chance de rarement penser à la rage - généralement lors d'une morsure d'animal, ou peut-être de faibles souvenirs du film "Old Yeller", sinon quand une chauve-souris entre dans la maison. Les vétérinaires canadiens peuvent voir un ou deux cas de rage à quelques années d'intervalle chez des chevaux, des bovins, des chiens ou des chats, et occasionnellement chez d'autres espèces de mammifères. Avec l'afflux de chiens importés au Canada pendant la pandémie, la rage et la possibilité que des personnes soient exposées à ce virus sont devenues un risque réel. Le Dre Nancy Rheault,Directrice principale et Vétérinaire en chef adjointe, à la Division de l’importation et de l’exportation des animaux pour les affaires internationales à l’Agence Canadienne d’inspection des aliments, s'entretient avec nous aujourd'hui pour nous expliquer certains changements récents apportés aux exigences d'importation de chiens et les raisons de leur mise en œuvre pour protéger les Canadiens.
Liens d’intérêt:
ACIA Avis à l'industrie : Nouvelle mesure interdisant l'entrée de chiens commerciaux en provenance de pays à haut risque pour la rage caninePays considérés à haut risque pour le variant canin du virus de la ragePosez des questions avant d'acheter ou d'adopter un chienACMV Importation de chiensACMV Liste de contrôle des vétérinaires pour l'importation d'un chien (2018)Preventing Rabies in Imported Dogs - Dr. Scott Weese Centre d'expertise et de référence en santé publique - La RageRage chez les animaux -
Wild pigs are known to wreak environmental havoc across all types of landscapes, and they can be difficult to find, let alone to manage once they’re established in an area. Information about the habitats that Canadian wild pigs utilize can help inform decisions about how best to manage wild pig populations, and perhaps may also be useful to decrease crop damage or livestock interactions at the wildlife-agricultural interface.
Mr. Corey Kramer, previously a Masters student from the University of Saskatchewan, and currently a Biology PhD student at San Diego State University, investigated the habitat use and movements of invasive wild pigs in Canada, and he shares the results from this research with us on Animal Health Insights.
Links of Interest:
Understanding resource selection, resource use, and landscape connectivity for invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in the prairies; implications for management. Corey Kramer, April 2021. Mr. Corey Kramer, Dr. Melanie R. Boudreau, Dr. Ryan S Miller, Mr. Ryan Powers, Dr. Kurt VerCauteren, and Dr. Ryan K. Brook. Summer habitat use and movements of invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) in Canadian agro-ecosystems. Canadian Journal of Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjz-2021-0116 (March 2022)Reporting Invasive Wild Pigs in B.C.Wild Boar in AlbertaReporting Wild Boar in AlbertaSCIC Feral Wild Boar Control Program (Saskatchewan)Squeal on Wild Pigs, ManitobaReporting Invasive Wild Pigs in OntarioWild pig iNaturalist page for OntarioWild pigs/wild boar in QuebecReport feral pigs/wild boar in QuebecReporting details for other provinces/territories from the CWHCiNaturalist app (wild pig sightings can be added into this app)Canadian Wild Pig Research Project -
Our veterinary patients deal with the effects of “worms” in a number of ways – we frequently see animals who suffer from gastrointestinal illness, weight loss, blood loss, and occasionally kidney, cardiac, muscular or neurologic diseases that all may relate to parasitic infections. If you’re a pet parent or animal producer – your eyes may glaze over a bit when your vet discusses the health risks associated with parasites – but these risks are significant. Many parasites have zoonotic potential – they can be shared between animals and humans – and this is part of why veterinarians continue to discuss these creatures with our clients – we want to protect animal health AND the health of humans who care for and interact with animals.
The parasite risks in a specific region constantly change as parasites migrate (along for the ride in an infected animal) around the province, country, continent, or around the world. In many species, including dogs, there is evidence that some parasites are developing resistance to certain types of deworming medications. One of these parasites is the canine hookworm – known as Ancylostoma caninum. Dr. John Gilleard from the University of Calgary has been involved in investigations into the emergence and diagnosis of these drug-resistant canine hookworms over the past few years. In addition to working as a Professor of Parasitology and the Associate Dean of Research at the faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Calgary, his research focusses on drug-resistant parasites and ways to investigate the emergence and spread of these in animal populations including cattle, other ruminants, and dogs.
Links of Interest:
Persistent or Suspected Resistant Hookworm Infections, Clinician's BriefMultiple drug resistance in hookworms infecting greyhound dogs in the USAPablo D. Jimenez Castro, Abhinaya Venkatesan, Elizabeth Redman, Rebecca Chen, Abigail Malatesta, Hannah Huff, Daniel A. Zuluaga Salazar, Russell Avramenko, John S. Gilleard, Ray M. Kaplan, Multiple drug resistance in hookworms infecting greyhound dogs in the USA, International Journal for Parasitology: Drugs and Drug Resistance, Volume 17, 2021, Pages 107-117, ISSN 2211-3207, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpddr.2021.08.005
Multiple Drug Resistance in the canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum: an emerging threat? Jimenez Castro, P.D., Howell, S.B., Schaefer, J.J. et al. Multiple drug resistance in the canine hookworm Ancylostoma caninum: an emerging threat?. Parasites Vectors 12, 576 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-019-3828-6Information about Dr. Gilleard's laboratory at the University of Calgary and his research Note: A. caninum photo credit: Dr Pablo Jimenez-Castro and Dr Ray Kaplan -
Spring has sprung in North America – and with the return of these migrating birds, we see predictable waves of poultry infections with influenza. Each year there is the potential for different strains of this flu to impact the health of our egg and meat producing birds – whether they are raised in small backyard flocks or in commercial poultry production systems.
Dr. Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt – a veterinarian, epidemiologist, and professor of veterinary medicine at the Université de Montreal, is an expert in poultry health and biosecurity – and focuses on developing strategies to help to control the risk of infection with diseases such as Avian Influenza. He joins us in this episode to review actions and essential biosecurity steps to help maintain healthy flocks and minimize the chance of Avian Influenza infections on farm.
Links of Interest:
CFIA: Response to detections of avian influenza (H5N1) in Canada, and Information for Producers and Bird OwnersCFIA: Avian Influenza Fact SheetCFIA: Status of Avian influenza response by provinceChicken Farmers of Canada: Avian Influenza Information and ResourcesTurkey Farmers of Canada: Avian Influenza, Just the FactsBritish Columbia (Centre for Disease Control): Avian influenza summaryAlberta: Avian influenza in domestic birds, UpdatesSaskatchewan: News Release re: Avian influenza detection in Sask, Apr. 8, 2022Saskatchewan Health Authority: Avian influenza/Bird fluManitoba: Avian influenza and your small flock FAQManitoba: Avian influenza updatesWestern Canadian Animal Health Network: Avian influenza resources andCAHSS/WeCAHN: Webinar for small flock producers and veterinariansOntario (OMAFRA): Avian influenza updates, control zones, and webinarOntario (Ministry of Health): Highly pathogenic avian influenza in people, FAQOntario Animal Health Network: Avian Influenza resources 2022Québec: Grippe aviaireMAPAQ: Grippe aviaire surveillanceNew Brunswick: Avian flu advisory in the Atlantic ProvincesNova Scotia: Avian influenza PEI: Avian influenza information and updates -
Le printemps est arrivé en Amérique du Nord – et avec le retour de ces oiseaux migrateurs, nous assistons également à des éclosions prévisibles de grippe aviaire dans la volaille. Chaque année, différentes souches d’influenza aviaire peuvent avoir un impact sur la santé de nos oiseaux producteurs d'œufs et de nos poulets à chair - qu'ils soient élevés dans de petits troupeaux de basse-cour ou dans des élevages commerciaux.
Il peut sembler impossible de réduire les risques d'infections comme celles causées par la grippe aviaire - les maladies qui sont aussi présentes chez les animaux sauvages peuvent être difficiles à gérer. Heureusement, il existe un certain nombre de choses que les producteurs peuvent faire pour protéger leurs élevages - petits ou grands - et il y a des changements qui peuvent se produire au sein de l'industrie pour aider à minimiser les impacts de la maladie et à prévenir sa propagation. Un élément clé – prendre le temps de planifier et investir un peu d'argent pour mettre en place ces mesures avant qu'une infection ne se produise sera la meilleure décision à long terme!
Dr Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt – vétérinaire, épidémiologiste et professeur de médecine vétérinaire à l'Université de Montréal, est un expert en santé et biosécurité de la volaille. Il se concentre sur l'élaboration de stratégies pour aider à contrôler le risque d'infection par des maladies telles que la grippe aviaire. Son travail le fait voyager partout dans le monde où il aide les producteurs et les gouvernements à élaborer des plans de biosécurité régionaux qui améliorent considérablement la santé des oiseaux. Il a également étudié l’impact des traits sociaux et de la personnalité des humains sur le succès des mesures de biosécurité.
Liens d’intérêt:
l'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA): Réponse aux détections d'influenza aviaire (H5N1) au Canada et Information pour les producteurs et au secteur de l'élevage et les propriétaires d'oiseauxl'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA):Fiche de renseignements – Influenza aviairel'Agence canadienne d'inspection des aliments (ACIA): Biosécurité de la volailleNorme nationale de biosécurité pour les fermes avicolesPlan spécifiquement lié aux risques concernant l'influenza aviaire à déclaration obligatoireProducteurs de poulet du Canada: Information et ressources relatives à l’influenza aviaireLes Éleveurs de dindon du Canada: Grippe Aviaire – Les faits uniquementQuébec: Grippe aviaireMAPAQ: Grippe aviaire surveillanceL’Équipe québécoise de contrôle des maladies avicoles (ÉQCMA): Les protocoles de biosécuritéLe Nouveau-Brunswick: Avis d’information concernant la grippe aviaire dans les provinces de l’Atlantique -
In 2019, a “new bug on the block” showed up in British Columbia, and an extensive effort was launched to locate and eradicate an intimidating non-native hornet species. You’ve likely heard of these Asian Giant Hornets as they were all over the news – a big wasp – with strong stingers and the buzzy potential to harm native pollinator species and honeybees in Canada. Paul van Westendorp, the provincial apiculturalist or “honeybee expert” for the province of British Columbia, helped to identify this species of wasp upon its discovery. Along with colleagues, Paul worked to locate and eradicate a hornet nest near Nanaimo, B.C., and continues to monitor for this insect species in B.C.
Links of Interest:
B.C. Ministry of Agriculture Pest Alert: Asian Giant HornetInformation on Paul van Westendorp and his workAsian Giant Hornet information from Ontario.caAsian Giant Hornet information from Invasive Species CentreReporting Invasive Species Sightings by Province -
As caretakers and advocates for the animal populations within the wilderness areas in Canada’s national park system, teams of wildlife experts work collaboratively to try to maintain this balance of health in their regions of care. In the past few years, in Alberta’s national parks, Parks Canada wildlife specialists were challenged to manage an outbreak of a disease within one of the park’s watershed systems. Whirling disease is a condition affecting fish and causing abnormal swimming patterns because of physical malformations. Dr. Mark Taylor, an aquatic biologist with Parks Canada in Banff National Park, works in all aspects of aquatic resource management, and worked with others in Alberta and Canada to manage this threat to the wild fish populations through the use of some novel strategies.
Links of Interest:
Environmental Impact Analysis: Whirling Disease Eradication from Johnson Lake, Banff National ParkInformation re: the Tubifex worm theseis: Whelan, C. (2020). Distribution and habitat characteristics of Tubifex tubifex, intermediate host of whirling disease, in Banff National Park (Unpublished master's thesis). University of Calgary, Calgary, AB. http://hdl.handle.net/1880/112571Overview of Whirling Disease Biology and Management: Sarker S, Kallert DM, Hedrick RP, El-Matbouli M. Whirling disease revisited: pathogenesis, parasite biology and disease intervention. Dis Aquat Organ. 2015 May 21;114(2):155-75. doi: 10.3354/dao02856. PMID: 25993890.Whirling Disease confirmed in fish from Johnson Lake in Banff National Park, Parks CanadaWhirling Disease Fact Sheet, CFIAFirst known publication re: eradication of Whirling Disease: Nehring RB, Alves J, Nehring JB, Felt B. Elimination of Myxobolus cerebralis in Placer Creek, a Native Cutthroat Trout Stream in Colorado. J Aquat Anim Health. 2018 Dec;30(4):264-279. doi: 10.1002/aah.10039. Epub 2018 Aug 21. PMID: 30133011. -
When it comes to providing veterinary care for small ruminants like sheep and goats, one of the most frustrating challenges for production can be the management of parasitic infections. Individual farms vary widely in their amount of pasture, availability of other species for pasture rotations, and their general deworming and parasite management protocols. Often a veterinarian is called in to address only the most severe flock or herd parasitic issues, and it can be challenging to get a program in place to bring these animals back from a severe infestation.
As part of disease surveillance work in Quebec, a unique program was created to connect veterinarians and producers, and to establish a targeted parasite management plans for the province’s sheep flocks and goat herds. Dr. Anne Leboeuf, a veterinarian who previously led the Quebec RAIZO disease surveillance network for small ruminants, and Dre. Denise Bélanger, a professor emeritus at the St-Hyacinthe Vet Faculty, epidemiologist, and a sheep producer, share information about this PISAQ Parasite management campaign and how it has improved understanding of the risk factors for Quebec flocks and herds.
Links of Interest:
Gestion intégrée du parasitisme gastro-intestinal - CEPOQPISAQ Campagne nº 7 : Visite zoosanitaire dans les élevages ovins et caprinsProgramme intégré de santé animale du Québec (PISAQ)Fact sheets - Santé biodiversité, avortment, reproduction | CEPOQ (English Fact Sheets) -
Lorsqu’il est question de soins vétérinaires aux petits ruminants comme les ovins et les caprins, la gestion des infections parasitaires représente l’un des plus gros défis de la production. La quantité de pâturages disponibles, la disponibilité de différentes espèces pour effectuer la rotation des pâturages et le protocole de gestion du parasitisme varient beaucoup d’une ferme à l’autre. Souvent, le vétérinaire est appelé à traiter des problèmes parasitaires devenus graves au sein d’un troupeau et il est alors difficile d’intervenir efficacement pour guérir les animaux.
Au Québec, il existe un programme destiné aux éleveurs de moutons et de chèvres de la province pour les aider à créer des liens avec les vétérinaires et à établir un plan ciblé pour la gestion du parasitisme. Ce programme provincial a été mis sur pied dans le cadre des travaux de surveillance des maladies animales. Dre Anne Leboeuf est médecin vétérinaire et elle était responsable du Réseau de surveillance des petits ruminants au sein du MAPAQ lorsque nous avons réalisé l’enregistrement du balado. Elle a accepté de nous partager de l’information au sujet de la campagne PISAQ qui a pour thème la gestion intégrée du parasitisme dans les élevages caprins et ovins et de nous expliquer comment cette campagne a permis de mieux comprendre les facteurs de risques à considérer dans les troupeaux québécois. Elle est accompagnée par Dre Denise Bélanger, professeure émérite à la Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l’Université de Montréal. Dre Bélanger s’est impliquée dans cette initiative à titre d’épidémiologiste mais aussi en tant qu’éleveure de moutons.
Liens d’intérêt:
Gestion intégrée du parasitisme gastro-intestinal - CEPOQPISAQ Campagne nº 7 : Visite zoosanitaire dans les élevages ovins et caprinsProgramme intégré de santé animale du Québec (PISAQ)Fact sheets - Santé biodiversité, avortment, reproduction | CEPOQ (English Fact Sheets) -
Mental health is an essential facet of health and well-being for everyone, but there are unique facets of mental health that can be affected for all those who work with animals and who navigate the challenges associated with an animal health incident. Dr. Margaret McGeoghegan and Dr. Luc Bergeron discuss the significant mental health impacts of these situations on producers and veterinarians, and review how our government organizations are consistently working to improve communications and supports in these incredibly stressful scenarios.
Dr. McGeoghegan currently works as a Canadian Food Inspection Agency veterinary program analyst and she is also a CFIA liaison for the vet college and the province of PEI. Additionally, she works closely with the provincial Chief Veterinary Officer, industry groups, and producers in PEI. As part of her work, she participates as a member of the CFIA National Human Destruction Emergency Response Team and working group. She participated in the 2004 Avian influenza outbreak in the Fraser Valley, B.C., that led to the development of national emergency response teams, and she trains and leads on many disease response exercises. She also was site commander in the Infectious Salmon Anemia outbreaks in Newfoundland in 2013 – so she has a strong understanding of the importance of strong leadership and clear communications to all those involved in an animal health incident.
Dr. Bergeron is a veterinarian and epidemiologist who graduated from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Montreal. He worked initially as a large animal veterinarian, and currently works in animal health surveillance, and is the coordinator of the surveillance network for bovine diseases at the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.
Links of Interest:
Mental health supports for producers and agricultural workers:
DoMoreAg: a not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada.Canadian Mental Health Association: Mental Health in the Agriculture IndustryB.C.: AgSafeBC Mental Health ResourcesYukon: Farm Stress resourcesAlberta: Alberta Farm Mental Health NetworkSaskatchewan: Saskatchewan Farm Stress rural support servicesManitoba: Manitoba Farm, Rural, and Northern support servicesOntario:In the Know: A mental health literacy program for farmers and the agricultural communityConnex Ontario, mental health support servicesQuébec: Commision de la sante mentale du Canada: Cette ligne est accessible 24/7 partout au Québec.Newfoundland and Labrador: Farmer-specific Mental Health ResourcesNova Scotia:Producer Specific mental health resources from Nova ScotiaWe Talk, We Grow: an initiative of Farm Safety Nova Scotia raising awareness and taking action to protect and nurture the mental health and well-being of Nova Scotia’s farming communityPEI: farmerstalk.ca : confidential counselling for farmersFarmer Assistance Program: counselling for farmersNew Brunswick: Mental health resourcesNews Release: Agriculture and Agri-food Canada: Governments Supporting Mental Health for Farming and Rural CommunitiesChicken Farmers of Canada: Mental Health and Agriculture resourcesDairy Farmers of Canada: Mental Health resourcesCanadian Cattlemen's Association Mental Health resourcesVeterinary Mental Health:
Canadian Veterinary mental health resources from the CVMAi-matter.ca: Mental health strategies for veterinarians and veterinary team members from OVMA - Show more
