27 Story Idea? Email Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Farming | November/December 2024 is only one part of the current response plan for FMD. “The vaccine bank is not a silver bullet. “We need to make sure that plan is solidly in place in case anything happens. The biggest way to help prevent it and not need the vaccine bank is to prioritize adequate biosecurity in and out of the country and farm-to-farm. Those are two pieces that we are really pushing to improve with the introduction of the vaccine bank.” Biosecurity is monitored at borders by CFIA and the Canada Border Services Agency. Travellers are screened when returning to Canada from other countries that may have animals infected with FMD, and the import of animals and products from countries which are not considered FMD-free is restricted. If mobilized, the vaccine can be used in areas surrounding the disease outbreak, along with a ‘stamping-out strategy’ CFIA describes as including depopulation and cleaning and disinfection of premises. The Canadian beef industry has been working toward the development for a few years now. “Without our own bank we are trying to find sources for the vaccine,” says Phinney. “There is a shared North American bank, but it is inadequate to address the needs of the contributing countries, and coming out of the pandemic we recognized the critical importance for Canada to have a supply for itself.” The federal government made the announcement initiating the development of the vaccine bank in July 2023. “The announcement was made two budgets ago and took some time,” says Phinney. “We would like to encourage that there is a very condensed vaccine, ready at a very secure and biosecure storage facility. It doesn’t have to be in Canada, but it needs to be somewhere we can easily access so we have our own agents ready to be diluted and ready to move on a potential FMD infection.” The CFIA estimates that building up the bank could take two to three years, and the request for proposals specifies that the bank must be stocked by Year 4 of the contract once it has been awarded. Phinney emphasizes that the storage facility will need to have strong biosecurity protocols and have the ability to dilute and mobilize vaccines within 24 to 48 hours. “It puts us in a very good position if and when something ever happens. “Before, we felt vulnerable because we did not have a secure vaccine bank, and this will help us mitigate any major disasters. Without that, FMD could spread rapidly, and there’d be no way to contain it. We could be looking at up to $60 billion in losses if it went nationwide. “It’s not the only tool we need, but it is a very good tool to combat FMD if there ever is an outbreak.” BF Bridgeview Manufacturing Inc. Box 4, Hwy 22 Gerald, SK S0A 1B0 306-745-2711 · bmi@sasktel.net · www.bridgeviewmanufacturing.com Developed for the producer who wants the Bale King Durability, but prefers the chain style feeding system. NEW 7400 Bale King Processor ·Effortless feeding with Triple chain conveyor with deep, full width slats · Patented X-Rotor with easy access door for simple twine removal · Robust gearbox drive 5300 Bale Processor “Total Ration” is an upgrade with a 40 bushel bolt on tank and a side mounted 6” auger. Ad-On features compatible to all Bale King Processors BACK-UP CAMERA KIT Take the guess out of loading. FINE CHOP KIT with adjustable Knives THREE BALE KIT carry 50% more product LET’S GROW TOGETHER BUILDING A SECURE VACCINE BANK
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