As a pork producer in Alberta, you have survived some challenging times. Through hard work, passion and attention to detail, you produce a world-class product while continuing to focus on what matters most: Animal care, food safety, biosecurity and respect for the environment.
It’s that eye for detail that has kept our industry PED-free and allowed you to benefit from healthy pork prices, and for that you should be commended. In order to maintain our momentum and preserve consumer trust, it’s essential that we apply that same care and attention to animal welfare at all times.
We know that pork producers and their staff take animal care very seriously. But just as it only takes one gap in biosecurity to devastate your farm, you need just a single lapse in animal care to damage our whole industry. Even if 99% of us always do the right thing, one wrong turn by one producer or employee can undo your vigilance in an instant.
With that in mind, please take the time to review your company's or farm's animal care policies with ALL staff and service providers who come into contact with your animals. Specifically:
• Ensure you are using best practices when transporting animals, particularly during extreme heat or cold.
• Do not ship animals that are unfit for transport.
• Only use paddles to guide animals on/off a trailer. Don’t prod, kick or use unauthorized tools to move them.
• Ask your transporter and / or transport staff to complete The Canadian Livestock Transport (CLT) Certification Program, a comprehensive training course and support service for livestock truckers, shippers and receivers.
• If you are unsure of laws, regulations and accepted practices, speak to your herd veterinarian or contact Javier Bahamon, Alberta Pork’s Animal Care Specialist at 780-469-8982 or javier.bahamon@albertapork.com.
o Also be very informed by reviewing the CFIA website:
• Please consult the Alberta Pork website (www.albertapork.com) for updated information and more reminders on animal care.
Alberta pork producers can take great pride in their standards of animal care, biosecurity and food safety that are recognized as some of the best in the world. Maintaining those standards is hard work, but the payoff in peace of mind, animal wellbeing, consumer confidence and business security is well worth it. On behalf of Alberta Pork directors and staff and your fellow producers, thank you for your continued and serious commitment to responsible animal care.
Source: AlbertaPork