| | The Livestock Disease Investigation Network (LDIN), along with the Livestock Pathology Consultation Program (LPCP), provides the critical response arms of the Alberta Veterinary Surveillance Network (AVSN).
LDIN provides a team of epidemiologists, pathologists and other veterinary experts to investigate complex, unresolved livestock health issues identified primarily by private veterinary practitioners, or through the Veterinary Practice Surveillance (VPS) system, LPCP, or the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV). Responses include telephone consultation, field and laboratory investigations and other activities. The breadth of experience available through such a team allows for timely and expert response to disease issues.
This team works with the OCPV which has direct authority for provincially reportable diseases or in conjunction with private veterinary practitioners, who must have performed a preliminary investigation that includes a visit to the farm and specifically defined the problem.
Once these criteria are met, LDIN will investigate (examples):
- Suspect provincially reportable diseases
- Suspect emerging disease
- Disease threatening market access
- Suspect food safety or public health issues
- Asymptomatic exposure to lead
- Significant herd problems with an unusual presentation where diagnosis has not or can not be reached in the private sector.
An important goal for Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development is to establish and maintain a strong collaborative network that spans the entire spectrum of livestock production, including practicing veterinarians, producers, and specialists at other institutions or within the private sector. During and after investigations, LDIN ensures continuous multi-directional communication. Information dissemination to veterinary practitioners and livestock producers is a key part of this network. The LDIN team also provides veterinary practitioners with continuing education opportunities through presentations and publications in both veterinary and lay venues.
Brochures
Alberta Veterinary Surveillance Network (AVSN)
Why Do Poultry Health Surveillance
Links
Alberta Veterinary Surveillance Network (AVSN)
Veterinary Surveillance in Alberta
Food Safety Division
Agri-Food Systems Branch
Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV)
Alberta Veterinary Medical Association
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
For more information on the Livestock Disease Investigation Network, please email Dr. Delores Peters or phone 780-427-7501. To connect toll-free in Alberta to any Alberta government office, dial 310-0000 followed by the area code and phone number of the office you wish to reach. Outside Alberta, call long distance 780-427-2711 to reach the government call centre. |
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