Following the completion of its advisory process, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released on February 5, 2013 a National Standard for biosecurity in the Canadian dairy industry. The standard introduces four control areas for biosecurity interventions: animal health management, animal additions and movement, premises’ management and sanitation, and personnel, visitors, vehicles, and equipment.
The National Standards were developed with the Dairy Farmers of Canada. While they presently set out best practices and not binding standards, it can be expected that provincial boards may adopt and enforce these standards in the years to come. The National Standards will certainly provide persuasive guidance to administrative tribunals and courts dealing with biosecurity issues. As such, while the Standards have been released as a voluntary tool for farmers, farmers should review and become familiar with the Standards and ensure that have taken steps to address the issues described.
The National Standards can be found on the CFIA website at http://inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/biosecurity/standards-and-principles/national-standard/eng/1359657658068/1359658301822
