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About Us
The ANIMAL HEALTH AND ASSURANCE BRANCH consists of the Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian, Animal Health Section, Inspection and Investigation Section, Livestock Traceability Section and the Animal Welfare Section. Here is what we do.
The Office of the Chief Provincial Veterinarian (OCPV) was re-established in July 2016 following the appointment of Dr. Keith Lehman as the Chief Provincial Veterinarian. The OCPV is responsible for development of science based animal health policy and disease prevention and control strategies to protect animal health, public health, and support trade for the poultry and livestock industries.
The Animal Health Section (AHS) offers a range of services in support of industry and producers of Alberta: first class animal disease surveillance, disease investigation and diagnostic services; disease risk management programs, comprehensive emergency preparedness and response capabilities; and the section’s technical specialists’ ability to anticipate and assess potential threats to Alberta’s livestock industries.
The Inspection and Investigation Section (IIS) contributes to the security and safety of the animal and food systems by providing effective and efficient inspection, licensing, investigation, audit assurance, and enforcement activities pursuant to various Acts and Regulations assigned to the branch. The IIS adheres to the Alberta Agriculture Compliance Principles regarding gaining compliance by establishing standards, providing information and education, conducting inspections, and providing advice to industry. The Section is also responsible to ensure that Alberta remains rat free through the administration of the Agricultural Pest Act and the Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation and the Rat Control Program administered by the expertise of the Provincial Rat and Pest Specialist.
The Livestock Traceability Section (LTS) works with industry and Federal-Provincial-Territorial partners to establish an effective and sustainable livestock and poultry traceability system in Alberta and Canada. Traceability is a crucial component of an effective animal health and food safety system that enables precise and rapid emergency response to protect livestock, producers and consumers. A traceability system provides timely, accurate, and relevant information to enhance emergency management, market access, industry competitiveness and consumer confidence. Traceability in Alberta relies on three fundamental pillars of premises identification, animal identification and animal movement. LTS manages Alberta’s Premises Identification (PID) system which is a registry that links livestock and poultry to land locations or premises. The PID system is used to plan for, control, and prevent the spread of agricultural diseases. It is also used as an early warning system to notify animal owners of a natural disaster such as a flood or fire that could affect their animals or operations.
The Animal Welfare Section contributes to policies, programs and legislation that support continuous improvement in livestock welfare and assurance of basic animal protection for all animals. Animal welfare and protection is a shared responsibility across animal industries, all levels of government and non government agencies. The Animal Welfare Section is responsible for the administration of the Animal Protection Act (hyper link https://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/acts6029) that protects all animals from distress and is enforced by appointed Peace Officers. The Animal Welfare Section provides extension and education services to Albertans, and supports the development and implementation of scientific and practical improvements for animal welfare to help industry respond to market opportunities and the public demand for animal welfare assurance.
Office of the Executive Director
Animal Health and Assurance Branch
9th Floor, O.S. Longman Building
6909-116 Street
Edmonton AB T6H 4P2
Ph : 780-427-6159
Fax : 780-427-1437
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