The Five Strategic Goals
1. Advance Farmed Animal Welfare
AHC plans to ensure credible, implementable Codes of Practice for all farmed animal species and promote pan-Canadian animal care assessment programs. Training initiatives, such as Canadian Livestock Transportation certification, will also be prioritized. Success will be measured through public opinion polling, adoption of animal care programs, and participation in welfare training.
2. Strengthen Disease Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Capacity
The organization will focus on major threats like Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), African Swine Fever (ASF), and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Key actions include coordinating an Integrated Emergency Response Plan for FMD and addressing gaps in ASF response strategies. Enhancing biosecurity, surveillance, and traceability systems will help secure international recognition of Canada’s disease control zones.
3. Build Resilient Disease Surveillance Systems
AHC aims to ensure Canada can rapidly expand surveillance activities during outbreaks or when new diseases emerge, improving early detection and response capabilities.
4. Strengthen Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Use (AMU) Initiatives
Addressing AMR and AMU will remain a priority to protect animal health and food safety, while supporting sustainable farming practices.
5. Improve Long-Term Organizational Resilience
AHC’s Industry-Government Leadership Group will champion collaboration and provide consensus-based guidance on animal health and welfare issues, ensuring diverse voices shape future strategies.
What This Means for Farmers
For producers, these goals translate into practical changes and opportunities:
- Clearer Standards and Training: Expect updated Codes of Practice and expanded access to animal welfare training programs like Canadian Livestock Transportation certification for the transport industry.
- Enhanced Biosecurity Support: Farmers will hopefully benefit from improved disease prevention resources and emergency response plans for major threats like ASF and FMD.
- Better Surveillance Systems: It is hoped AHC will be able to ensure faster detection and response to emerging diseases to help protect livestock and minimize economic losses.
- Antimicrobial Stewardship: AHC will provide guidance and tools to manage antimicrobial use responsibly will support herd health and market access.
- Collaborative Voice: AHC says that through its leadership group, producers have a platform to influence policies and ensure practical solutions for on-farm realities.
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