Brian Sullivan-Canadian Swine Health Board:
There was a concerted focus on preventing it from coming into Canada and being prepared for the possibility that it would arrive and what should be done if that were to happen as it eventually did.
Without the funding agreement the organization has been looking to put in place a long term sustainability option that's industry led, industry supported and so there's been effort in that direction with some success.
We've had some industry contribution and some additional government support as well that has allowed us to continue operations and to be better prepared for PED in particular.
We also have a national surveillance network that was established under the previous funding agreement with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and we've been able to maintain that surveillance system while we look at options for long term sustainability.
Sullivan says stakeholders that have been working with the Canadian Swine Health Board over the past five years and new stakeholders will need to come together to agree on a structure and identify national elements needed for the organization and to come to the table with financial support.
He hopes to have options that have widespread stakeholder support by the end of June.
Source: Farmscape