AHSI magazine - University of Guelph

AHL
H E R E
IMPACT OF PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS
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hen we are dealing with Avian Inuenza, Salmonellosis, and
other potenally serious animal diseases, the stakes are high.
Protecng the health of Ontario’s animals and, by extension,
people, is one of the most important jobs we do, and the
University of Guelph’s Pathobiology – Animal Health Laboratory
is one of the best places to do it.
For the past ve years, the lab has used a 7.5 million investment
from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of
Rural Aairs named the Animal Health Strategic Investment – to
develop new tests and improve current
tests, monitor disease prevalence, and
develop and update emergency plans
and procedures.
The results are impressive. Animal
disease surveillance protocols have been
enhanced. There is more and stronger
data on which to base decision-making,
policy and programs. And, because of
ghtened protocols and simulaons,
Ontario’s livestock industries are far
beer prepared to handle a future outbreak of disease.
Even more impressive are the strengthened es that have
resulted from the collaboraon that took place over the course
of the research projects – among producers, veterinarians, the
laboratory, the university and the government. The relaonships
that have been built over the past ve years will serve all of us,
and the Ontario public, well into the future.
Congratulaons to everyone involved in this program – you have
much to celebrate.
Deborah Stark
Deputy Minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Food
and Ministry of Rural Aairs
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Keeping our food safe and ensuring that our animals are healthy is
essenal to the connued success of Ontario’s agri-food industry.
The University of Guelph’s partnership with the Ontario Ministry
of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Aairs is key to this
endeavour, especially through its support of the Animal Health
Laboratory (AHL). The AHL houses a crical mass of experse that
monitors animal health across the province. AHL’s accurate and
rapid detecon and diagnosc facilies help protect the health
of Ontarians while promong animal welfare and maintaining
producon performance.
The OMAF and MRA - U of G Partnership
has helped make this possible. For
example, in 2008 the partnership
provided addional funding for 5 years
through the Animal Health Strategic
Investment program. This crical support
resulted in important innovaons,
including new tests for emerging
diseases; established a baseline for
the early detecon of new hazards;
and developed and tested emergency
conngency plans for managing disease outbreaks.
Ontario’s capacity to ensure public and animal health and wellbeing
has been greatly increased through the addion of such
sophiscated tesng and high technology analycal equipment,
along with the highly qualied personnel who perform this work.
As well, the Animal Health Strategic Investment program has
supported valuable research and development projects.
The AHL, University of Guelph and OMAF and MRA partnership is
having a posive impact on Ontario’s agri-food system. This unique
collaboraon has enabled advancements in animal health tesng
and surveillance that would not have been possible without a joint
eort. The resulng research and innovaon is contribung to
evidence-based policy in Ontario, which ulmately contributes to
improved public health.
I am pleased to share with you the AHSI Magazine, which
highlights the important work of the Animal Health Strategic
Investment Program.
Richard Moccia
Associate Vice-President Research, Strategic Partnerships
University of Guelph