New FMD Vaccine Bank to Aid Livestock
Canada is taking a major step to protect its livestock industry by establishing the country’s first foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank. This new resource will serve as an emergency supply of vaccines to help stop the spread of FMD in case of an outbreak.
FMD is a serious and highly contagious disease that affects animals such as cattle, pigs, and sheep. It causes painful sores, which can harm the animals’ health and reduce their ability to produce food products.
To strengthen preparedness, Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded contracts to Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Biogénesis Bagó SA. These companies will supply different types of vaccines and help develop the Canadian vaccine bank.
This new bank will work alongside Canada’s current access to the North American FMD Vaccine Bank. Together, these resources will help protect Canadian farms more quickly and efficiently.
Government officials say this is a key step in strengthening Canada’s emergency response system. Having vaccines ready can reduce the number of animals affected and shorten any future outbreaks.
The project is the result of strong cooperation among federal, provincial, and territorial governments, as well as industry partners. It builds on existing efforts like strict import rules, biosecurity practices on farms, and animal health monitoring.
“Today's announcement highlights our continued commitment to enhancing Canada’s animal disease preparedness and prevention plans. Securing our own supply of FMD emergency vaccines will not only help reduce the spread during a potential outbreak but also help protect the livelihood of Canadian farmers by minimizing the impact on international trade,” said Paul MacKinnon, President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
With this new vaccine bank, Canada is better prepared to defend its livestock, protect rural communities, and ensure a steady supply of safe food for everyone.
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