The UBCM Farmed Animal Mass Carcass Disposal Emergency Planning Program encourages local governments to plan for the safe and healthy disposal of farmed animal carcasses to ensure that any threat of disease or contamination is effectively controlled and eradicated.
“UBCM recognizes the importance of emergency-preparedness in sustaining healthy and vital communities across the province,” said UBCM President Brenda Binnie. “That is why we have worked together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands and the Investment Agriculture Foundation to facilitate funding for this program.”
Any local government (regional district or municipality within B.C.) with an existing emergency plan in place is eligible for funding under this program. Funding will be available beginning February 2008.
“Global occurrences of animal disease outbreaks, such as avian influenza and mad cow disease, have demonstrated the need for governments to be thoroughly prepared in the event of an outbreak,” said Bert Miles, Chair of the Investment Agriculture Foundation. “Local governments can now ensure they have the proper steps in place to address a farmed animal emergency thanks to the UBCM program.”
A total of $705,000 in funding for the program is provided by the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) Livestock Waste Tissue Initiative on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands. The Livestock Waste Tissue Initiative helps the province’s beef sector assess regular and emergency Specified Risk Material (SRM) disposal options. This is part of a broader federal-provincial SRM disposal funding program, providing $12.5 million in assistance to help the B.C. livestock industry comply with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s enhanced feed ban.
The Investment Agriculture Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that manages and distributes federal and provincial funds in support of innovative projects to benefit the agriculture and agri-food industries in British Columbia.
For more information about the UBCM Farmed Animal Carcass Disposal Emergency Planning Program and how to apply for funding, please visit: www.civicnet.bc.ca.
Contact: Sarah Stover
604-484-3274
sarah_stover@greyvancouver.com
