Only six other laboratories in the world have that designation for African swine fever.

June 20, 2022

2 Min Read
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Canada has been recognized as a global leader in scientific and technical expertise to address problems relating to African swine fever. The World Organization for Animal Health officially recognized the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease in Winnipeg as a WOAH Reference Laboratory to address ASF. There are only six other laboratories in the world with that designation. The CFIA's Aruna Ambagala was also recognized as Canada's designated expert for ASF.

ASF is a viral disease that does not infect humans, but poses a significant risk to the health of Canadian swine herds, the pork industry and the Canadian economy.

WOAH Reference Laboratories are internationally recognized centers of expertise on specific animal diseases.

These laboratories play a critical role in the international monitoring and control of animal diseases, in applied research, as well as in providing support for diagnosis, training and advice to member countries. This designation by the WOAH is a sign of Canada's scientific excellence and demonstrates Canada's increasing ability, capacity and readiness to detect and respond to an outbreak of ASF as well as support global efforts to manage the disease.

The CFIA is responsible for food safety, and the protection of plant and animal health in Canada. This mandate is supported by the CFIA's network of 13 laboratories across the country. The NCFAD is also designated as a WOAH Reference Laboratory for classical swine fever, highly pathogenic and low pathogenic avian influenza in poultry, and foot-and-mouth disease.

This network of laboratories and the work of their scientists are essential to protect the health and well-being of people, animals, and the economy, both in Canada and internationally.

Source: Canadian Food Inspection Agency, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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