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BC Government Announces Plan to Kill Twenty-Five Deer to Test for Chronic Wasting Disease

The British Columbia (BC) government plans to cull 25 deer in the Kootenay region following two positive cases of chronic wasting disease. The Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship will focus on a ten-kilometre radius around where the infected deer were discovered. According to the Ministry, samples collected from the cull will help determine the extent of the disease's spread. Chronic wasting disease, caused by abnormal prion proteins, poses serious health risks to both humans and animals. The province also recently begun mandatory testing for chronic wasting disease of any deer, moose, elk, and caribou killed on BC roads, and it has restricted how carcasses can be transported and disposed of around the area where the disease was first detected.

Federal Minister of Agriculture Announces Funding to Prevent Animal Disease Outbreaks

Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture, has announced an investment of up to $1,697,850 for Animal Health Canada to bolster their role in foreign animal disease prevention and preparedness efforts in Canada, including for African swine fever (ASF) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program is investing $999,900 in this initiative while the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is contributing $697,950 through its Federal Assistance Program. These investments will support the prevention and control of ASF and FMD through such things as the analysis of surveillance data, providing essential training, and supporting partner roles and responsibilities.

Ontario Euthanizes 84 Raccoons and Lays Dozens of Charges Against Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility

The Government of Ontario has euthanized 84 raccoons and filed numerous charges against Mally's Third Chance Raccoon Rescue, a wildlife rehabilitation center, in Kawartha Lakes. In 2023, the provincial Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry revoked Mally’s wildlife rehabilitator custodian licence and seized 95 raccoons from the facility in October 2023, accusing the owners of over 20 violations of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. The Ministry claims that 93 (not 95) racoons were seized, and of these six raccoons were found dead on-site and three succumbed to severe disease. Mally's denies the allegations and plans to fight the charges, claiming mistreatment by ministry officers and stating the ministry made "uncorroborated allegations" that the raccoons had all contracted distemper.

Prince Edward Island Introduces Bill to Amend Animal Health Act

Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Agriculture, the Honourable Bloyce Thompson, has introduced Bill No. 45, An Act to Amend the Animal Health Act. It includes definitions of terms like "animal by-product" and "notifiable disease” and recommends streamlining reporting procedures for animal diseases. The bill also grants authority to the Chief Veterinary Officer to issue quarantine orders promptly and disclose information regarding notifiable diseases. These amendments are intended to enhance disease control measures, ensure efficient communication, and modernize language within the legislation.

Avian Influenza Outbreak Spreads Among Birds in Kingston, Ontario

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 has expanded from Canada geese to crows and a Bald Eagle in Kingston, Ontario. The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative confirmed the virus in birds who have been found dead. Over a dozen birds tested positive. The outbreak is part of a global surge in avian influenza, with millions of bird deaths in Canada in the past five months. While the virus is concerning, the risk to humans is lows. Authorities urge caution, suggesting precautions when handling wild birds and promptly reporting any sightings of distressed or dead birds.

Wildlife Rescue Centre in Napanee Euthanizing Canada Geese to Prevent Spread of Avian Influenza

Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre in Napanee, Ontario, is euthanizing sick wild geese to curb the spread of avian influenza, which has surged among local waterfowl. Assistant Director Leah Birmingham noted a significant rise in sick and dead birds this year across Kingston and Prince Edward County. Birmingham emphasized the severity of this year's outbreak, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate the spread of the zoonotic disease.

Chronic Wasting Disease Detected in BC Deer for First Time

British Columbia (BC)'s Wildlife Branch confirmed the first cases of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in the province, found in two deer in the Kootenay region. The fatal disease poses a significant threat to wildlife populations. Officials emphasize the importance of continued vigilance and testing to implement preventive measures. CWD, not known to affect humans or livestock, spreads through infected animals or contaminated materials. With limited funding for wildlife management, there are concerns about the government's response. The BC Wildlife Federation is calling for stronger political leadership and increased resources to combat the spread of CWD effectively.

Regina City Council Rejects Backyard Chicken Pilot Project

At their first meeting of the year, Regina City Council voted against a proposal for a backyard chicken pilot project. Ward 8 Councillor Shanon Zachidniak initially suggested the initiative. Despite support from groups like Queen City Chickens, concerns over pests and avian flu deterred Mayor Sandra Masters and four others from pursuing the idea. Mayor Masters emphasized the need to prioritize other city issues such as housing, zoning, and service demands.

Pet Bearded Dragons May Expose People to Rare Strain of Salmonella

A new study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked a rare strain of salmonella that affected infants in Canada and the United States in 2021 and 2022 to pet bearded dragons. The study reported that Ontario patients were sold bearded dragons from various pet stores by a single common supplier, which imported some of its bearded dragons from an international supplier currently under investigation in southeast Asia. In late 2021, this supplier stopped importing reptiles from the international supplier.

Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada Appear in Court to Challenge Canada's Dog Rescue Ban

Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada were in court during the week of January 22, 2024, presenting arguments in a case challenging a federal ban on rescuing dogs from over 100 countries. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented the ban in September 2022, prompting the legal challenge. The organizations argue the ban is unreasonable, goes beyond what is necessary to prevent transmission of dog rabies, and was imposed without consulting directly impacted stakeholders. In court, they sought disclosure of evidence supporting the ban, insisting transparency is crucial for fair evaluation. The CFIA wants to withhold certain documents citing sensitivity, but Animal Justice and Soi Dog Canada stressed the importance of a thorough review process.