# APHIS Evaluation of Zoning for Foreign Animal Disease Control in Canada

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services

December 2011
(Updated January 2014 )APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



## Abbreviations

AAFC Agriculture and Agri

- Food Canada
AHFP A nimal Health Functional Plan
AI Avian Influenza
APHIS Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service ATQ Agri

- traçabilité Québec
CAHSN Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network
CanNAISS Canadian Notifiable Avian Influenza Surveillance System
CCIA Canadi an Cattle Identification Agency
CFIA Canadian Food Inspection Agency
CVO Chief Veterinary Officer
DV District Veterinarian
ERT Emergency Response Team
FAD Foreign animal disease FADES Plan Foreign Animal Disease Emergency Support Plan
FMD Foot and m outh disease
ICS Incident Command System
NAI Notifiable avian influenza
NCFAD National Center for Foreign Animal Disease
OIE World Animal Health Organization
PAA Performance Activity Architecture
VIC Veterinarian in Charge

2APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



## Contents

Executive summary

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 4 Introduction

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 5 Disease history

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............. 6 Part 1

— Veterinary infrastructure

................................ ................................ ................................ ................. 7 1. Legal authority for emergency response activities

................................ ................................ ........... 7 2. Org anizational structure

................................ ................................ ................................ ................... 9 3. Human and material resources

................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 15 4. Emergency preparedness and response

................................ ................................ ......................... 20 5. Livestock demographics and traceability

................................ ................................ ........................ 24 6. Disease surveillance and reporting

................................ ................................ ................................ . 27 7. D iagnostic laboratory support

................................ ................................ ................................ ........ 28 8. Conclusions

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 30 Part 2

— Procedures for zoning and maintaining zone integrity

................................ ................................ . 31 1. Zoning strategy

................................ ................................ ................................ ............................... 31 2. Emergency response phases

................................ ................................ ................................ ........... 32 3. Conclusions

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 39 Risk estimate

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............... 40 Annex 1: Reportable diseases

................................ ................................ ................................ ..................... 41 References

................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................. 42

3APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### Executive summary
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have undertaken evaluations of each other’s capacity to contain and eradicate a foreign animal disease (FAD) ou tbreak via zoning (also known as regionalization). In keeping with OIE recommendations, the United States and Canada would like to establish parameters and agree on measures necessary for recognition of a disease control zone within each other’s territ ory, before an outbreak occurs, in order to reduce disruption of trade and the resulting economic impact.
Import policies rely in part on judgments made about the effectiveness of sanitary procedures undertaken by the exporting country. The importing country needs to be satisfied that its animal health status will be appropriately protected. F undamental considerations for an evaluation of zoning capacity

are legal authority, organizational structure, and infrastructure of the official veterinary services, FAD contingency planning, livestock demographics and traceability, surveillance capabilities, and diagnostic laboratory support. A thorough assessment of the procedures and practices applied to establish and maintain the integrity of a disease containment zone

— thereby also establishing a free area outside of the containment zone for international trade purposes

— is also critical.
The CFIA Primary Control Zone consists of an inner disease containment zone (the Infected Zone) surrounded by a Restricted Zone, with an outer Surveillance Zone. In some cases, a Secondary Control Zone may be established to provide an additional buffer between the Primary Control Zone and the rest of the country, known as the Free Zone.

Th is evaluation concludes that, in the event of a limited FAD outbreak, Canada has sufficient legal authority, organization, and veterinary infrastructure to establish and maintain an effective disease control zone. CFIA measures for containing an FAD outbreak within the control zone

— including animal

move ment control, epidemiological investigation and tracing, a stamping out policy, biosecurity measures, surveillance, and laboratory diagnostics

— are designed to ensure the integrity of the zone and protect the animal health status in a disease

- free zone, in accordance with international standards. For the purposes of international trade, the Canadian veterinary services would be able to provide accurate and valid certification that animals and animal products originate from outside of the control zone.

4APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### Int **roduction**
The United States and Canada engage in a high volume of trade in animals and animal products. A n outbreak of a highly contagious foreign animal disease (FAD) in either country could cause major economic losses as a result of both the disease cont rol measures applied and the loss of trade across the common border. Stakeholders on both sides of the border are therefore interested in developing mechanisms to limit the disruption of trade in the event of a disease outbreak.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)

— of which the United States and Canada are members

— issues guidelines designed to assure the sanitary safety of international trade in animals and their products. The OIE recommends establishment of a disease containment zone in the even t of limited outbreaks of a specific disease within an otherwise free country, in order to minimize the impact on the entire country. The OIE further recommends that trading partners establish parameters and agree on measures necessary for recognition of d isease containment zones within each other’s territory, before an outbreak occurs. Chapter 4.3 of the OIE’s Terrestrial Animal Health Code outline s specific guidelines for defining such zones [1]

. Both the United States and Canada have developed contingenc y plans for addressing highly contagious
FAD outbreaks that are based on the concept of a disease containment zone. In recent years, both

countr ies have informally accepted the other’s zoning decisions for outbreaks of highly pathogenic notifiable avian in fluenza (HP N AI) and vesicular stomatitis . This acceptance is based in part on trust gained through years of collaboration on emergency preparedness and response via initiatives such as the North American Animal Health Committee, the Coordinating Body on Av ian and Pandemic Influenza
, and the Quadrilateral Animal Health Committee. However, no formal mechanism has existed for official recognition of disease containment zone for trade purposes.

APHIS and CFIA have therefore undertaken independent evaluations of each other’s veterinary infrastructure and zoning processes . The goal is to promote transparency, facilitate mutual recognition of zoning decisions, and potentially limit disruption of trade from disease

- free zones. Specifically, th e APHIS evaluation exam ines Canada’s ability to establish and maintain a control zone in the event of an FAD outbreak and en sure the sanitary safety of animals and animal products originating from outside of the control zone . The evaluation also examines the procedures for recov ery of free status.

Both APHIS and t he CFIA apply a zoning strategy consisting of a control zone with subzones of graduated risk to address outbreaks of highly contagious FADs of major importance to international trade in animals and animal products . Alth ough t he specific response measures taken may be influenced by the epidemiology of the disease agent and the conditions on the ground, the basic approach remains the same. This evaluation focuses on CFIA’s zoning procedures and uses HP N AI and foot and mout h disease (FMD) to illustrate how CFIA would address local and diffuse outbreaks, respectively.
Following a brief overview of Canada’s history of highly contagious FAD outbreaks, Part 1 focuses on fundamental considerations such as legal authority, organi zational structure, and infrastructure of the official veterinary services, FAD contingency planning, livestock demographics and traceability,

5APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

surveillance capabilities, and diagnostic laboratory support. Part 2 evaluates Canada’s procedures for establishi ng, maintaining, and lifting a control zone , from the initial suspect case to demobilization and

recovery. 

### Disease history
Canada experienced HPNAI outbreaks in 2004 and 2007; no other outbreaks of FADs have occurred since bluetongue in 1988 (see Table 1 ) [2] . The 2004 outbreak occurred in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia in a high

- density poultry production area [3] . HPNAI (H7N3) was first detected on a broiler

breeder farm in March 2004 and ultimately spread to 42 commercial farms and 11 backyard fl ocks. In contrast, the 2007 HPNAI (H7N3) outbreak occurred in a sparsely populated area of Saskatchewan and involved only a single premises [4] . In both instances, the CFIA implemented a control zone to aid in controlling and eradicating the disease ; examp les are provided throughout this document

. Table 1 : Occurrence of former OIE List A diseases in Canada [2]

Disease Last occurrence in domestic animals African horse sickness Never reported
African swine fever Never reported

B luetongue 1988
Classical swine fever 1963
C ontagious bovine pleuropneumonia 1876

F oot and mouth disease 1952 Highly pathogenic avian influenza September 2007

L umpy skin disease Never reported
Newcastle disease 1973

P este des petits ruminants Never reported Rift Valley fever Never reported

Ri nderpest Never reported

S heep and goat pox Never reported

S wine vesicular disease Never reported

V esicular stomatitis 1948

6APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### Part 1

**— V**  **eterinary infrastructure** 

**1. Legal authority**  **for emergency response activities**

**1.1 Federal**  **authority**

**1 .1.1**  **Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act** 

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act [5] established the CFIA in 1997 and described the responsibilities of the Agency for the administration and enforcement of several Acts governing federal inspection and relat ed services for food and animal and plant health

. 

### 1.1.2 **Health of Animals Act**

The Health of Animals Act [6] (hereafter Act) and pursuant Health of Animals Regulations [7] (hereafter Regulations) provide s tatutory authority for CFIA activities pertaining t o prevention, control, and eradication of reportable animal diseases , in cluding control of disease outbreaks through zoning

. Disease reporting

The Act requires animal owners, caretakers, veterinarians, and laboratories to immediately report to a
CFIA vete rinarian the presence of an animal that is infected or suspected of being infected with a reportable disease. Reportable diseases are defined in the Reportable Diseases Regulations promulgated under the Act and listed in Annex 1.

Quarantine and movement co ntrol

The Act authorizes CFIA officials to quarantine a premises upon suspicion or determination of disease existence by declaring it to be an Infected Place. Animals and things cannot be removed from or taken into an Infected Place without a license issue d by a CFIA official. These provisions are reiterated in the Regulations . The Act also authorizes the CFIA to individually declare all premises within 5 kilometers of an Infected Place to also be Infected Places.
Emergency power for control of FADs

The Act empowers the Minister of Agriculture and Agri

- Food Canada (AAFC) to declare a Primary Control
Zone for control and eradication of an animal disease , and prohi bit the movement of commodities that could transmit the disease into, out of, or within the Area

. The Minister may establish additional zones or sub

- zones and require disposal of commodities that could transmit the disease.

Eradication activities

The Act provides CFIA officials with the powers of inspection, search, and seizure. The Regulations authorize CFIA inspectors to order the destruction of an animal infected with or suspected of being infected with a reportable disease. CFIA inspectors can also or der the cleaning and disinfection of places, vehicles, and other items. The Act empowers the Minister to enact emergency regulations to supplement existing CFIA powers for control and eradication activities within the Area.

7APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Compensation

The Act allows for market value compensation for animal s destroyed in accordance with the Act , as well

as animals injured during the course of actions carried out under the Act. The Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations [8] promulgated under the Act establish the m aximum amount payable for destroyed animal s and disposal costs paid by the owner.
Offenses and penalties

The Act outlines offences and penalties for contraven ing the provisions therein . Violations may also be punishable under the Agriculture and Agri

- Food Administrative Monetary Penalties Act [9]
, which provide s for more immediate enforcement and corrective action.
Certification

The Act also requires live animals to receive an official certificate of veterinary inspection prior to exportation. A CFIA insp ector must certify compliance with all the prescribed requirements respecting the health, protection, and transportation of the animal.



### 1. **1.3 Other**  **statutes**

The Emergencies Act [10] stipulates the conditions under which the federal government may intervene in national emergencies by temporarily assuming and exercising appropriate exceptional powers in consultation with provincial governments and with the consent of the Canadian Parliament.

The Emergency Management Act [11] identifies the emergency manageme nt responsibilities of Ministers of all federal departments. Under this Act, all Ministers must identify risks within or related to their responsibilities; prepare emergency management plans in respect of those risks; maintain, test and implement those pl ans; and conduct exercises and training in relation to those plans.

A Federal Policy for Emergency Management [12] , established under the Emergency Management Act
, similarly applies to all federal department s and provides direction for the preparation, mai ntenance, testing, implementation, and exercise of emergency management plans. The department Public Safety Canada is responsible for coordinating emergency management activities and providing operational tools, guidelines and best practices. The CFIA Emer gency Response Plan represents such a plan to respond to animal health emergencies based on an Incident Command System (ICS).



### 1. **2 Provincial authority** 
Provincial veterinarians coordinate the activities of their animal health network within their respective ministries of agriculture, in cooperation with the CFIA and industry associations [16]

. Legislative acts at the provincial level provide legal authority for the animal and public health activities of provincial officials, as well as emergency response mea sures.

P rovincial and municipal governments play an important role i n supporting CFIA activities within their boundaries. Most provinces have signed a memorandum of understanding with the CFIA

— called a Foreign Animal Disease Emergency Support (FADES) Plan

— that delineates the emergency preparedness 8APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

responsibilities of the federal and provincial governments and outlines agreements

- in

- principle for joint planning [14

- 16]

. 1



### 1.4 **Discussion**
Legal authority for CFIA animal health and food safety activities is tra nsparent and comprehensive, with explicit provisions for compliance and enforcement activities. The Health of Animals Act and pursuant

r egulations require notification of reportable diseases , including all former OIE List A diseases. Specific legal authori ty exists for the CFIA to take the actions necessary to contain and eradicate a disease outbreak, including but not limited to quarantine, zoning, inspection, movement control, seizure and depopulation, cleaning and disinfection, and compensation.

The Eme rgencies Act bolsters the legal authority of federal agencies such as the CFIA to exercise extraordinary powers in the event of a national emergency . O ther federal acts and policies require that all government departments and agencies conduct specific emer gency preparedness activities

.
P rovinces and municipalities play an important supporting role in control and eradication of highly contagious FAD outbreaks. FADES Plans provide for joint emergency planning and response. Provincial governments have enacted specific legislation to provide legal authority for the animal and public health activities of provincial officials, including emergency response measures.



### 2

**. Organizational structure** 

**2.1 Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)** 

The central competent veter inary authority for Canada is the CFIA , with headquarters in the capitol city of Ottawa
, Ontario [13] . The President of the CFIA reports to the Minister of Health

. T he veterinary services are concentrated in the Policy and Programs Branch, the Operations B ranch, and the Science Branch ( see Figure 1 ) [13, 17]

. The Audit and Evaluation Branch provides strategic leadership and direction in program evaluation, corporate audit, and risk management oversight.

1 All provinces have a FADES Plan in place except Newfoundland and Labrador, which are in process. The Yukon, Nunavut, and Northwest Territories have not entered into FAD ES agreements; however, there are few li vestock animals in these northern areas.

9APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Figure 1 : CFIA Senior Management Structure [18]



### 2.1 **.1 Chief Veterinary Officer** 

The Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) provides national leadership in positioning Canada’s animal and veterinary public health infrastructure to manage current and emerging disease threats, in order to protect animal and human heal th [18]

. 

### 2.1.2 **Chief Food Safety Officer**
The Chief Food Safety Officer (CFSO) provides expert advice on food safety program design and regulatory policy development, as well as executive leadership

— in collaboration with Canada’s Chief Public Health Office r
— in managing national and international food safety emergencies [18] . The CFSO is also responsible for the CFIA’s animal, food, and plant laboratory network.
Since March 2013, the CFSO has been Canada’s delegate to the OIE.



### 2.1. **3 Policy and Programs Bran**  **ch**
The Policy and Programs Branch is divided into three divisions : Policy, Programs, and Integration and Management ( see Figure 2 ) [13]

. The Programs Division contains the Animal Health Directorate, which in turn includes the Animal Import/Export Division and the Animal Health, Welfare and Biosecurity
Division.

10APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Figure 2: Organizational structure of the Policy and Programs Branch [18]

The sections of the Animal Import/Export and Animal Health, Welfare and Biosecurity Divisions are collectively responsible for [13] :

• Designing programs to control or eradicate reportable diseases present in Canada;

• Developing regulations and policy for the import/export of live animals, animal products and by

products, and germplasm;

• Developing regulations and policy for the manufacture, importation, and distribution of veterinary biologics;

• Developing tools to deliver animal health programs in Canada, including disease models to assist in preparedness planning and computerized systems to capture epidemiological data and aid in outbreak management;

• Developing and maintaining CFIA’s emergency response plans, including the Animal Health Functional Plan (AHFP), Hazard Specific Plans, and Manuals of Procedures for FADs;

• Providing subject matter expertise on reportable diseases ;

• Pr oviding train ing on disease control/ eradication programs and emergency response ; and

• Working with industry to develop business risk mitigation strategies for FAD incursions.

11APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

The Office of Animal Biosecurity , another entity under the Animal Health Directora te , collaborates with industry groups to develop and implement biosecurity strategies and standards for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture production [13]

. 

### 2.1. **4 Operations Branch** 
Operations is the largest branch of the CFIA [13, 18]

. O perations at the c entral level and in the field are divided into four geographical regions with four corresponding area offices and 18 regional offices ( see Figure s 3 and 4 )

. CFIA veterinarians are located in over 80 district offices dispersed throughout the provinces
, as w ell as in all federally

- registered meat and processing establishments

. Figure 3 : Organizational structure of the Operations Branch [18]

Operations staff is the primary contact with regulated industries and are responsible for delivery of programs at the field level. Peacetime responsibilities of Operations staff include [13] :

• Enforcing animal health regulations and policy and conducting animal health programs;

• Conducting sampling and surveillance to monitor the health of Canadian livestock and poultry ;

• Wo rking with producers and industry groups to raise awareness of infectious animal diseases and promote good biosecurity practices;

• Diagnosing contagious animal diseases based on clinical evaluation of symptoms and laboratory test results
, conducting epidemi ological investigations, and carrying out disease control and eradication programs (including quarantine and movement control) ;

12APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

• Conducting ante

- mortem and post

- mortem inspection in slaughter establishments;

• Monitoring compliance with animal welfare princip les and regulations;

• Inspecting commodities presented for entry into Canada and signing export certificates for live animals, animal products and by

- products, and germplasm;

• Enforcing mandatory livestock identification programs; and

• Delivering the accredit ed veterinarian program.

Figure 4 : Map showing locations of CFIA area and regional offices [13]



### 2.1. **5 Science Branch** 
The Science Branch delivers laboratory services and research through the national animal health laboratory system , which has been accredi ted to ISO 17025 since 2000 [13]

. The organizational structure of the Science Branch at the central level is shown in Figure 5

. The animal health laboratory system is a network of 5 CFIA laboratories
, 14 provincial laboratories, and 13 accredited private d iagnostic laboratories ( see Section 7 )

. The Science Branch employs veterinarians to provide animal health risk analyses on various topics, including commodity imports, FADs, regionalization and zoning, and disease control measures [13]

. Veterinary epidemi ologists and other specialists in the Science Branch design and coordinate national surveillance programs, analyze surveillance data, and oversee surveillance and analysis of scientific information on emerging issues.

13APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Figure 5 : Organizational structure of the Science Branch [13]



### 2.2 **CFIA Partners** 

**2.2.1 Federal agencies** 

Other federal agencies and departments provide support to the CFIA in FAD response activities [13, 19]

. CFIA may partner with Health Canada or the Public Health Agency of Canada if the dis ease is zoonotic; with Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada to acquire the equipment and people necessary to mount surveillance, destruction, and disposal operations in the field ; and with Environment Canada for technical support and scientific advice . Environment Canada is r esponsible for the health of migratory species and wildlife in national parks [19]

. 

### 2.2.2 **Provinc es and Territories** 
The provincial and territorial governments provide veterinary support services to private veterinary practiti oners and assist the CFIA in disease diagnosis, surveillance, and control [13]

. Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments support CFIA investigations of FAD outbreaks within their boundaries [13, 19] . Local and provincial public health authorities provide technical support and personnel, while provincial emergency preparedness organizations aid in logistics. Provincial and territorial veterinary services also play a primary role in detection and control of several dozen OIE

- listed diseases that are not o n the federal reportable disease list.
CFIA and provincial governments have partnered effectively to address FAD outbreaks. For example, a CFIA after

- action report [3] concluded that the British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries (BCMAFF) was instrumental in linking the CFIA Emergency Operations Center with local governments, other provincial agencies, the local media, and poultry industry groups during the 2004 HPNAI outbreak. The BCMAFF supplemented the diagnostic laboratory capa bility of the CFIA, provided

14APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

technical expertise, and led the work on economic impact assessment, recovery planning, and improving biosecurity protocols.



### 2.2.3 **Stakeholders**

The Director of the Terrestrial Animal Health Division communicates with national industries through the Canadian Animal Health Consultative Committee [13] . During an animal health emergency, the CFIA looks to industry and other stakeholders

— e.g., veterinary associations, academia

— for technical assistance, cooperation in response measur es, advice, and support.
Stakeholder groups have provided valuable assistance to the CFIA during FAD outbreaks. For example, a CFIA after

- action report [4] indicated that the Saskatchewan poultry industry formed an emergency management team during the 200 7 HPNAI outbreak, which was instrumental in communications with poultry producers regarding the outbreak response. The team also provided industry data for geographic mapping and consulted with CFIA on the limits of the control area and the surveillance pl an.


### 2.2.4 **International agencies**
Depending on the incident, the CFIA may consult with international experts or activate international agreements, including mobilization of the International Animal Health Emergency Management Reserve [16]

. For example, the CFIA consulted with disease control specialists from the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan during the 2004 HPNAI outbreak [3] . An APHIS liaison embedded in the response to monitor the control efforts and provide updates to U.S. stakeholders.



### 2. **3 Discussion** 
The CFIA is hierarchically organized with clear lines of command and communication . Agency field offices are strategically located in areas of high livestock density . The roles and responsibilities of CFIA units and staff are clearly define d, as are the interface relationships with the Minister of AAFC and other governmental authorities. Key functional capabilities

— such as surveillance, traceability systems, training, and field activities

— are allocated to specific units within the vete rinary services. Provinces and
T erritories represent t he default management unit for F ederal animal and public health programs

— although other units may be established as needed

— but do not represent jurisdictional boundaries for
F ederal emergency response measure s.


### 3

**. Human and material resources** 

**3 .1**  **Personnel**

The number and distribution of veterinarians in Canada in 2013 are provided in Table 2 [20]

. The CFIA population consists of inspection staff, field inspection staff, and support personnel [21] . Field inspe ction staff is front

- line inspectors and inspection managers who work in food processing plants, import service centers, and field offices throughout the country. Inspection staff includes field inspection staff (comprising about 70 percent of the total), as well as other inspection positions such as

15APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

chemists, risk assessors, supervisors, and scientific researchers. Support staff includes positions relating to audit and evaluation, legal, human resources, and corporate services.

Table 2 : Number of veterinar ians in Canada in 2013 [21]

Province No. veterinarians
Alberta 1,689 British Columbia 1,489 Manitoba 425 New Brunswick 26 5 Newfoundland and Labrador 102
Nova Scotia 349 Prince Edward Island 243
Ontario 4,600 Quebec 2,737 Saskatchewan 625
Territo ries 23 Total 12,907
As of March 2013, the CFIA employed 7,119 persons , of which 4,863 were inspection staff including 3,577 field inspection staff [21]

. The number of veterinarians employed at the national and regio nal levels is shown in Table 3. Approximately 75 percent of CFIA veterinarians work in the Operations Branch. The Provincial and Territorial governments collectively employ approximately 70 veterinarians [13, 20]

. Table 3 : Approximate n umber of veterinarians employed by the CF IA

Region No. veterinarians National Capital 186 Atlantic Region 38 Ontario Region 160 Quebec Region 146 West Region 211 Total 741
The CFIA may bring in staff from other regions or districts to meet the needs of an outbreak response strategy. For ex ample, during the 2004 HPNAI outbreak, the CFIA recruited 40 staff members from district offices with in British Columbia and 355 from outside of the Province [3] . The CFIA also hired 148 general laborers and 27 temporary clerical staff.



### 3.1.1 **Canadian Vet erinary Reserve** 
The Canadian Veterinary Reserve was established in November 2006 to assist the CFIA and provincial governments in responding to animal health emergencies [13] . It consists of private sector veterinarians who may be called upon to p rovide sh ort

- term support in emergency situations. These veterinarians

16APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

receive CFIA training in FAD response at Canada’s National Center for Foreign Animal Disease ( NCFAD )

. As of January 2014, there were 235 trained reservists

.



### 3.1.2 **Accredited veterinarians**

There are approximately 2,351 veterinarians enrolled in CFIA’s National Accredited Veterinarian Program [13]

. The specific duties and functions of accredited veterinarians, along with the terms and conditions of accreditation, are described in the Accredited Vet erinarian Agreement. This legal instrument transfers authority to accredited veterinarians to perform certain actions in support of the national animal health program, as foreseen in the Health of Animals Act and Regulations . The Accredited Veterinarian’s Manual provides detailed instructions for carrying out specific duties and functions [22]

. Accredited veterinarians may only perform their authorized duties in the Province or Territory identified in the Agreement [13, 22]

. Veterinarians must be licensed t o practice veterinary medicine in th at Province or Territory and must successfully complete pre

- accreditation training. CFIA District Veterinarians provide oversight of accredited veterinarians in their jurisdiction, including formal audits and review of w ork. Renewal of accreditation depends on work performance under the previous Agreement.



### 3 **.2 Education and training** 

**3.2.1 Veterinary education and licensing** 
The five veterinary colleges in Canada are located in Calgary, Alberta; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Gu elph, Ontario; St. Hyacinthe, Quebec; and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island [13, 20] . Each veterinary college is accredited by both the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the American Veterinary Medical Association. The CVMA sets minimum standards for veterinary education (initial and continuing) and professional conduct. Veterinary students undertake a minimum of 2 to 6 years of pre

veterinary study and then 4 to 5 years of pre

- clinical and clinical studies.
Veterinary l icensure requires graduation from a recognized veterinary school and may require completion of all or part of the National Board Examination administered by the CVMA [13, 20]

. Licensure, supervision, and disciplinary procedures are the responsibility of Provincial and Terr itorial entities authorized by the respective government. M aintenance of a general license typically requires evidence of continuing education.



### 3.2.1 **Emergency response training** 
The Human Resources Branch of the CFIA is responsible for developing and impl ementing national training programs and services, in collaboration with the Policy and Programs, Operations, and Science branches [13]

. The Human Resources Branch conducts training in FAD recognition and emergency response measures, administers the Nationa l Veterinary Accreditation Program, and provides training for veterinarians in the Canadian Veterinary Reserve.

17APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Annual course offerings include an FAD Recognition Course with both classroom and laboratory components; an Introduction to FAD Emergency Respon se Course; an FAD Recognition Dry Course (no laboratory component); multiple ICS training courses ; and workshops focusing on technical aspects of FAD response (sampling techniques, epidemiology, biocontainment, destruction and disposal, etc.) [13]

. The tar get audience includes CFIA field veterinarians, provincial and university veterinarians, and private practitioners.



### 3 **.3 Monitoring and audit programs** 

**3.3.1 Corporate plans and review** 

The CFIA Performance Activity Architecture (PAA) describes how the Agenc y plans to allocate and manage its resources to achieve certain strategic outcomes. The PAA is outlined in an annual Report of Plans and Priorities (RPP), submitted to the Canadian Parliament in March each year. The RPP establishes performance targets for program activities and lays out Agency priorities for the upcoming fiscal year [17, 23

- 25]

. A subsequent annual Departmental Performance Report [26

- 28] compares the Agency’s accomplishments to the performance expectations set out in the RPP. Performance re ports for recent years concluded that CFIA met the majority of the performance targets for animal health and

zoo notic risk described in the RPP

. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency Act [5] requires the Office of the Auditor General to assess the fairness a nd reliability of the Agency’s performance information with respect to the objectives established in its corporate business plan. The Auditor General has consistently concluded that the CFIA is in compliance with pertinent standards and practices. The Audi tor General has also audited the CFIA’s financial statements since its inception and found no cause for concern. The Auditor General reports are published in the annual Departmental Performance Report [26

- 28]

. The CFIA established an internal audit committ ee in 2007 in response to an audit policy adopted by the Government of Canada. The CFIA Audit Committee prepares an annual report with an assessment of the Agency’s internal control and audit system. The CFIA Audit Committee has consistently concluded that the Agency is operating under a risk

- based audit plan and that the Agency has a comprehensive internal audit function. The CFIA Audit Committee report is included in the annual Departmental Performance Reports [26

- 28]

. 

### 3.3. **2 Quality management** 

The Operati ons Branch implemented a quality management system in 2004

- 2005 , including internal audits of programs and processes, to improve the consistency and overall quality of the activities it conducts [13] . A manual describes the key components of the quality ma nagement system and provides a reference for practices and procedures.

18APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### 3 **.4 Financial resources** 

**3.4.1 CFIA budget** 

The CFIA is primarily funded by the Government of Canada through the Ministry of A AFC

. Food safety programs account for 40

- 50 percent of the C FIA budget annually, whereas animal health and zoonotic programs average 15

- 20 percent [26

- 28]

. Planned financial resources for FY 2013

- 14 are approximately
CD 731.4 million [17] . The CFIA does not typically allocate funds from the national budget to the

p rovincial animal health or food safety services.



### 3.4.2 **Funding for emergency response measures**
The Canadian government has primary financial responsibility for FAD response throughout Canada, with the provinces and territories taking a supporting role. Fu nding for emergency response comes from the CFIA budget initially; however, the President of the CFIA can request additional funding from the Minister of AAFC, wh o in turn can request addition f ederal funds. A Ministerial Declaration is not required for th e CFIA to request additional federal funding.



### 3.4.3 **Indemnity and compensation**
The CFIA provides compensation to owners of animals ordered destroyed under the authority of the Health of Animals Act [6] . Compensation amounts for animals are determined by an assessment of the market value and take into consideration factors such as genetic background, age and production records , with maximum levels set out in the Compensation for Destroyed Animals Regulations [ 8]

. The owner is awarded market value less the value of the carcass re ceived if salvage is possible, and may also
receive compensation for disposal costs such as transportation, slaughter, labor and equipment.



### 3 **.6 Discussion** 

The CFIA is the primary regulatory agency for animal health and welfare in Can ada with the provinces and territories playing a secondary role . As a result, the CFIA employs almost 8 times the number of
veterinarian s as do the collective provinces and territories. A strong accredited veterinarian program further extends the capacity of the CFIA to conduct regulatory activities.
Veterinary and financial resources in Canada have proven sufficient to address FAD outbreaks of the size experienced to date . M echanisms are in place to supplement human, material, and technical resources duri ng larger outbreaks.

CFIA f unding is sufficient to cover the working budget and additional funding for indemnity and compensation can be drawn from the Federal Reserve at the discretion of the Minister of AAFC. The existing compensation program encourages owners to report disease in their herds and flocks, thereby preventing or reducing the spread of disease. Strong auditing and quality management systems throughout the CFIA promote efficient use of resources.

19APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### 4. **Emergency preparedness and response** 

**4.1 Co**  **ntingency plan ning** 

**4. 1**  **.1 Federal**  **government** CFIA plans

All branches and levels of the CFIA are tasked with developing emergency response plans and procedures related to their areas of accountability. At the national level, functions include staffing and training a National ERT, ensuring that procedures to declare an emergency are in place, auditing FAD preparedness at the Area level, and assessing consistency between FADES plans. Policy and Programs Branch and the Operations Branch staff at the national l evel share responsibility for developing and maintaining the overarching CFIA Emergency Response Plan and A nimal Health Functional Plan (AHFP) [29]
, as well as the Hazard Specific Plans and various procedure s manuals ( see Figure 6 ).
Figure 6 : CFIA animal health emergency plans and procedures [30]

The CFIA Emergency Response Plan [30] describes the structure, roles, and responsibilities of CFIA branches, members, and individuals during an animal health incident. The plan is used as a training reference fo r orienting employees to emergency response by the CFIA. The A HFP [29] describes the division of labor and responsibilities within the official veterinary services in preparing for and responding to animal health incidents. It assigns responsibility for em ergency preparedness among the four levels of the CFIA and describes the response structure and phases in detail.

The AHFP is used in conjunction with the Hazard Specific Plan s and procedures manuals. Each H azard
S pecific P lan detail s how to perform certa in critical response functions for that particular animal disease (hazard) , including quarantine and movement controls, epidemiological investigation, tracing, risk assessment, surveillance, biosecurity, wildlife control, vector control, depopulation, disp osal, appraisal and compensation, decontamination, restocking, vaccination, and proof of freedom. CFIA has developed

20APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Hazard Specific Plans for FMD, NAI, A frican swine fever , A frican horse sickness
, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, peste des petits rumina nts , R ift Valley fever
, sheep and goat pox
, bluetongue, equine piroplasmosis, contagious equine metritis, and rinderpest

. CFIA staff at the Area, Region, and District (Field) levels is responsible for preparing for animal health incidents within their jur isdictions in accordance with the AHF P [29]

. Each Area Office is responsible for identifying and training members of an Area ERT, establishing and executing an annual Area training plan, auditing Regional and District response plans, and maintaining a mast er list of District contingency plans and logistics information. The Regional Offices are responsible for developing Regional ERT s, creating and updating regional incident response plan s , and developing and carrying out simulation
exercise s. Regional Offic e s also review the audits of the District contingency plans and ensur e that any shortcomings are addressed.

Each CFIA District Veterinarian i s responsible for developing and maintaining a District FAD contingency plan, including information on potential di sposal sites and local resources for logistical support, supplies, and equipment [29]

. District Veterinarians are also responsible for staffing and training a District ERT. The District Offices aid in contingency planning for abattoirs, sale yards, and oth er points of animal
concentration.

Each CFIA Veterinarian in Charge of a federally

- inspected abattoir must develop and maintain an FAD contingency plan for that facility [29]

. The Meat Hygiene Manual of Procedures provides specifics on contingency planning for abattoirs [31]

. CFIA specialists conduct FAD training for veterinary inspectors and other abattoir staff, since these individuals may be the first to suspect an FAD based on ante

mortem or post

- mortem lesions.



### Other Federal plans

The National Support Plan [30] provides a generic emergency management structure and concept of operations for the coordination of federal and national support during emergencies of significant impact or complexity that may not be otherwise covered under existing emergency pl ans or arrangements. The Ministry of AAFC or the CFIA would assume the lead role in major emergencies that affect animal health. The plan calls for a National Support Center, which would bring together federal decision

- makers, technical experts, and others into a single coordinated unit to direct the mobilization and delivery of a national response.

The National Emergency Response System [32] is an all

- hazards emergency response framework implemen ted by the Government of Canada, intended to aid in coordina tion of the numerous national players that must act swiftly when national emergencies arise

. The Food and Agriculture Emergency Response System [33] is an all

- hazards system established by the Ministry of AAFC and the CFIA to provide a policy and planning framework for managing emergencies. It outlines the emergency management framework for the CFIA and is designed to link the federal, provincial, and private sectors in an emergency response.

21APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### 4. **1.2 Provincial**  **governments**
As noted above, the CFIA has prima ry responsibility for FAD response within Canada, with the provinces and territories playing a supporting role. Mo st provinces have signed FADES Plans with the CFIA that outlines the roles and responsibilities of the government organizations that may be re quired to provide support to the CFIA in responding to and eradicating an FAD outbreak affecting that province [14

- 16]

. FADES plans also present an opportunity for private organization to develop agreements of support. Provincial emergency measures organiz ations are responsible for incident response within their provincial jurisdictions for a broad range of natural, manmade, and epidemiological disasters. They work closely with provincial ministries and industries in planning for and responding to incidents

. 

### 4. **1.3 Industry** 
The CFIA looks to industry for technical assistance, cooperation, advice, and support during an FAD outbreak response. Industry

- led initiatives at the national level aim to establish trace

- back systems to aid in the containment and eradic ation of disease (see Section 5.3). At the provincial level, various industry segments have developed or are developing more extensive contingency plans.



### 4.2 **Response structure**
Canada’s emergency response structure is based on the Incident Command System (ICS) , a modular structure that can be expanded or contracted as the situation requires [29] . The CFIA can implement the
ICS and establish an Emergency Operation Centers (EOC ) at the Field (District), Regional, Area, and/or National level. Provincial gover nments may activate their own EOC in accordance with the FADES plan, with the ICS allowing for a unified command.

Emergency Response Team (ERT) members coordinate, monitor, and direct response activities out of the EOC [29] . A Field (District) ERT deliver s disease control and response activities at incident sites, and coordinates all activities within its span of control. A Regional ERT coordinates regional resource
reques ts and ensures the A rea operational strategy and communication plan are implemented a t the Regional and Field EOCs. An Area ERT incorporates National policy and operational strategy into an Area operational strategy, develops an Area communication plan from the National communication plan, coordinates multi

- regional response efforts, and i nterfaces with area

- based federal and provincial departments and stakeholder groups.

The National E RT develops the National policy, operations strategy, and communication plans, and interfaces with other Federal departments and stakeholder groups [29] . Wi thin the CFIA, the N ational ERT is responsible for the overall management, strategy, and direction of an animal health incident response. When an animal health incident occurs, the N ational ERT responds by activating the CFIA Emergency Response Plan and en suring that the Animal Health Functional Plan and Hazard Specific Plan s are implemented at the appropriate level(s). These plans are described in Section 4.2.
The CFIA activated the ICS to respond to both the 2004 and 2007 HPNAI outbreaks. In 2004, the CF IA activated a Field EOC and ERT at the CFIA District Office two days after detection of a suspect HPNAI

22APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

case; a Provincial EOC was later establish ed in the same building [3] . The CFIA activated the National EOC and ERT when the Minister of AAFC declared t he outbreak a national emergency. In 2007, the CFIA activated both Regional and National EOCs and ERTs one day after HPNAI was confirmed [4] . The Provincial EOC was co

- located with the Regional EOC.



### 4.3 **Performance auditing**

CFIA conduct s lessons

- learned r eviews to analyze and document the effectiveness of the Agency’s response and overall management of FAD outbreaks [34, 35] . These reviews a re based on collecting observations

— through interviews, focus groups, and document reviews

— from people directly invol ved in the outbreak, including CFIA staff at headquarters, areas, regions, and in the field, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Public Safety Canada, Public Works and Government Services Canada, provincial government officials, and industry representative s. The reviews highlight both the successes and the opportunities for improvement, including implementation of lessons learned from previous outbreak

responses.

The review s offer recommendations for impr o ving the effectiveness of future responses, which th e CFIA uses to plan training, set agency policy, and revise the hazard

- specific response plans. The reviews of the 2004 and 2007 HP N AI outbreaks concluded that the response was overall successful but improvements could be made in the areas of roles and res ponsibilities, communication and information sharing, and logistic [34, 35] . The review of the 2004 HPNAI outbreak, along with experiences during the outbreak response, prompted considerable revision of the NAI hazard

- specific plan.



### 4. **4 Discussion** 

Contin gency planning for animal health emergencies occurs at all levels of the CFIA, with support from the Ministry of AAFC, other federal agencies, the provinces and territories, and industry groups. Involvement of these entities is critical for effective emerg ency response, considering the siz eable geographic area of Canada . Extensive contingency planning and clearly defined roles and responsibilities are therefore essential to ensure an effective response. The audit program for contingency planning at the dist rict, regional, and national levels of the CFIA, as well as special premises, promotes familiarity with the plans and a cohesive response.
The CFIA has developed Hazard Specific Plan s for FMD, NAI, and other diseases, as well as procedures manuals with det ailed instructions for particular tasks. Internal consistency is maintained through use of the ICS approach and regular audits.

Canada ’s emergency response structure follows internationally

- recognized ICS principles. The roles and responsibilities of the v arious entities within the ICS, as well as the expected contributions of both the national and provincial governments, are well defined. Co

- location of provincial and CFIA EOCs and the unified command under the ICS facilitate a close working relationship between federal, provincial, and municipal agencies. After

- action reviews allow for performance monitoring.

23APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### 5. **Livestock demographics and traceability**

**5. 1**  **Livestock demographics**

Livestock statistics for 2012 are provided in Table 4 [36]

. Dairy operations are concentrated in Quebec and Ontario in a corridor along the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. In contrast, beef cattle production is concentrated in the western provinces, particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan. The farmed bison industry in Canada consists of approximately 200 ,000 animals on 2,000 farms , with 50 percent of the bison population located in Alberta and another 30 percent in Saskatchewan. The geographic distribution of captive cervids is similar to that of farmed bison, with approximate ly 2,000 farms located primarily in Alberta and Saskatchewan [37] . Elk are the main captive cervid species, followed by white

tail deer; other species included fallow deer, mule deer, red deer, and reindeer.

Table 4 : Livestock in Canada in 2012 [36]
Speci es Thousand head Cattle (total) 13,540.0

Dairy cows and heifers 1,415.8 Beef cows and heifers 5,838.3
Swine 12,668.0 Chickens 643,276.0 Turkeys 20,783.0 Sheep 892.1
Sheep farms are fairly evenly divided between the eastern and western provinc es; Ontario and Quebec collectively contain just over half of Canada’s sheep inventory [36]

. Swine operations are concentrated primarily in Quebec, Ontario, and Manitoba , and poultry in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia.



### 5. **2 Patterns of livestock move**  **ments**

**5.2.1 Imports and exports** 
The United States is Canada’s pri mary trading partner for bovine animals (cattle and buffalo) , sheep, goats, swine, poultry , and equines ( see Ta ble 5 ) [38] . Exports of bovine animals, sheep and goats, and swine far outweigh imports. In contrast, Canada is a net importer of poultry and equines , primarily from the United States. Bovine exports mainly originate from Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Manitoba and go to slaughter in the United States; Quebec and Ontario receive the major ity of imported bovines. Swine exports are primarily weanlings and feeder animals from Manitoba and Ontario; imports are primarily breeding animals.

24APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Table 5 : Livestock imports and exports in 2 012 [38]

Commodity Import Export

World United States % Wo rld United States %

Bovines 56,173 55
, 904 99.52 836,088 830
, 239 99.30 Sheep and goats 35
, 802 35
, 802 100.00 3
, 064 2
, 885 94.16
Swine 2
, 428 2
, 428 100.00 5
, 676
, 354 5
, 656
, 372 99.65 Poultry 32
, 326
, 604 32
, 019
, 729 99.05 15
, 965
, 659 15
, 225
, 972 95.37 Equine 62
, 559 60
, 494 96.70 10
, 940 8
, 477 77.49



### 5.2.2 **Internal movements**
A study commissioned by the CFIA estimated that a relatively small volume of livestock and meat products moves between western and eastern Canada [39] . The overwhelming majority of livestock

mo vements are eastward, primarily involving cattle, with small numbers of small ruminants and swine. The number of cattle moving from Manitoba to Ontario (west to east) has historically been about 80 percent of that moving from Manitoba to the United States. Similarly, the number of market hogs moving from eastern to western Canada has been less than 1.5 percent of the number exported to the United States from Manitoba. There is very little movement of poultry, bison, or captive cervids between eastern and we stern Canada.
The study also found that only 0.6 percent of cattle slaughtered originated from a different region (eastern or western), indicating that shipments between eastern and western Canada represent a small part of the overall population base in e ach region [39]

. 

### 5. **3 Traceability systems** 
The three main pillars of traceability systems are the identification of animals or products, the ability to follow their movement, and the identification of departure and destination premises. Industry and

govern ment in Canada have traditionally used tags, tattoos, brands, movement permits, and paper

based logbooks to facilitate traceability of various animal species. In recent years, specific traceability systems have been developed on a sector

- by

- sector basis.



### 5 **.3.1 Animal identification** 
Regulated , industry

- led animal identification programs currently exist for beef cattle, dairy cattle, bison, and sheep throughout Canada [40

- 43] . The Canadian Cattle Identification Program (CCIP) was introduced in 2001 through an amendment to the Health of Animals Regulations and is applicable to all cattle and bison. The Canadian Sheep Identification Program (CSIP) followed in 2004. Both programs are mandatory in all provinces.

Under the CCIP and the CSIP , all bovine and ovine an imals must bear a registered identification tag before they leave their farm of origin. Information on cattle, bison
, and sheep from most provinces is

25APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

stored in a central database maintained by the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA). The exceptio n is the province of Quebec, where this information is stored in a database maintained by Agri

Traçabilité Québec (ATQ). In the event of a disease outbreak or food safety emergency, the origins of tagged animals involved can be accessed by the CFIA

. The Ca nadian Animal Health Program for Farmed Cervids was introduced in 1990, and requires all farmed or otherwise captive cervids to be inventoried, identified, and tested for specific diseases at specific time intervals, currently every five years [37] . This p rogram is mandatory in all provinces. In addition, Quebec specifically requires that all cervid owners register with ATQ and identify their animals with approved ear tags [40] . Data on farmed cervids is stored in the ATQ database for Quebec producers, in P rovincial Government systems in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, BC and Yukon, and in CFIA District offices all across Canada [41] . Farmed cervids may be moved from farm to farm or to another location only after issuance of a Cervid Movement Permit by the CFIA.
Regulated animal identification programs do not currently exist for other species in Canada. However, the Canadian Pork Council has developed and administers a swine traceability system called PigTrace Canada to enhance epidemiological investigation s during disease outbreak s affecting swine [44]. Under this system , swine producers have registered their premises and adopted a national slaughter tattoo numbering scheme that allows trace

- back of market hogs to the last farm of residence before slaughter

. The Canadian Pork Council has developed a national ear tag for breeding stock that is used to report the movement of individual breeding animals from premises to premises. A proposed amendment to the Health of Animals Regulations to mandate the swine tra ceability system was published in July 2012 [45]

. Federal, provincial, and territorial agriculture ministers have also committed to phasing in a cohesive National Agriculture and Food Traceability System, beginning with livestock and poultry [43]

. 

### 5.3.2 **A nimal movement** 
Movement of most animals within Canada does not require a permit, except for cervids [7] . The Health of Animals Regulations indicate that bovines moving from lower to higher brucellosis or tuberculosis status level areas must have a permit; however, the CFIA currently considers all of Canada free of both diseases, so no permits are necessary [13] . Commercial railway and motor companies must record animal movements across provincial or international borders, including the name and address of t he shipper and receiver, and the number and description of the livestock or other animals transported [7]

. In addition, every person conducting a public sale, auction, or market of livestock, cervids, poultry, or game birds must keep a record of each anima l sold or received and the legal names and addresses of the consignor and purchaser. Records must be kept for a minimum of 2 years.
Slaughterhouses, deadstock operators, and rendering plants are required to report the identification number of slaughtered cattle and bison or the receipt of their carcasses to the CCIA [43] . Similarly, producers are responsible for reporting the import and export of cattle, bison, and sheep. Under the Health of Animal Regulations , sheep producers must keep on

- farm records for 5 years regarding sheep that are 18 months of age or older that have left the farm of origin and movement of sheep for breeding

26APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

purposes [7] . In addition, Quebec regulations require that most cattle, sheep, and cervid movement be reported to ATQ [40, 46]

. The national livestock traceability system tracks animals to the point of carcass inspection; all packing plants in Canada are responsible for reading the tags, transferring the information to the carcass, and maintaining that identity until carcass insp ection [41, 43]

. 

### 5.3.3 **Premises identification**
Provincial governments have taken the lead in premises identification [43] ; for example, in Quebec each premises receives a unique 7

- digit number and the geographic coordinates are recorded in a Ministry of Ag riculture database [40]

. 

### 5.3.4 **Enforcement**

The CFIA enforces cattle, bison, and sheep identification and movement reporting requirements, as well as federal captive cervid regulations and testing requirements [43]

. CCIA provides information to the CFIA upo n request if there is a health or safety concern. The CFIA is responsible for ensuring that the CCIA satisfies its regulatory obligations such as mandatory traceback and traceability. The CFIA therefore audits CCIA data protocols and performs on

- farm audit s at the cow

- calf, feeder, auction market, and packing plant levels. Penalties for noncompliance include warning letters, fines ranging from CD 500 to
CD 4 000, and prosecution under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations [6, 7, 9]

. 

### 5

**. 4**  **Discussion**

Tracea bility systems are effective tools that can be used for many things, including the protection of animal health, public health
, and food safety. It is a critical component of FAD investigations and
containment measures. Canada has implemented a mandatory id entification program for cattle, bison, and sheep to enable tracing of animals from the herd of origin to carcass inspection or export. This is an industry

- owned and

- funded initiative; however, the auditing programs developed by the CFIA validate the auth enticity and integrity of the program to a level that satisfies the requirements of international animal health regulatory bodies such as the OIE.
Cervids must move under permit, which facilitates tracing of these animals if needed.



### 6. **Disease surveillan ce and reporting** 

**6 .1**  **Disease reporting**
The requirements for reporting suspect FAD cases within Canada to the official veterinary services are discussed above ( see Section 1.1). As a member of the OIE, Canada has agreed to observe the guidelines and standa rds described in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code [1]

. In the event of an FAD outbreak
, Canada would advise the OI E up on confirmation of the isolation and identification of a virus described in the Code as a pathogenic agent , and implement contingenc y plans to control and/or eradicate the virus

.

27APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Canada has routinely reported LPNAI and HPNAI events to the OIE within 24 hours of confirmation [2]

. In addition, APHIS and CFIA implemented a bilateral protocol in May 2007 for reporting of avian influenza [ 47]
, to which each agency has adhered.



### 6 **.2 Surveillance** 
CFIA surveillance activities are supported by the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN), a collaboration of federal, provincial, and university animal health diagnostic laboratories [1 3, 48]

. The network u se s common protocols and reagents to promote interoperability between laboratories

. CAHSN is led by the Director of the NCFAD. CAHSN laboratories collaborate with the Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence . This collaboration increases the ability to rapidly diagnose infectious diseases and diagnostic surge capacity

. CFIA’s Terrestrial Animal Health Division leads the development of national and regional active surveillance programs for program diseases [13]

. CFIA collaborated with provincial governments, poultry industry representatives, and poultry producers to develop programs such as the Canadian Notifiable Avian Influenza Surveillance System and Canada’s Inter

- Agency Wild Bird Influenza Survey

. CFIA does not typically cond uct active surveillance for FADs that have not occurred in recent years, such as FMD (last occurrence in 1952 [2] ). Passive surveillance, through reporting of suggestive clinical signs, is ongoing for all reportable diseases.



### 6 **.3 Discussion** 
The CFIA’s p ass ive and active surveillance practices , including collaborative efforts with other governmental agencies, industry groups, and producers, support t he ability to promptly detect an FAD incursion into Canada. Reporting to the international community and tradi ng partners, including the United States, has historically been done in a timely manner.



### 7. **Diagnostic laboratory support**

**7 .1**  **Organizational structure**

**7.1.1 Federal level** 
The federal animal health laboratory system consists of 5 CFIA Centers for Expertise, each of which is the national center for its area of specialization [13] . CFIA laboratories provide testing for domestic disease control programs, for import and export certification, and for artificial insemination centers. The laboratories are located i n 5 provinces across south er n Canada, as shown in Figure 7

. The NCFAD is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and provides scientific expertise and advanced technologies for the prevention, detection, control, and reporting of FADs [13] . The NCFAD is ISO 17025

c ertified and operates a biosafety level 4 laboratory. The NCFAD has diagnostic capabilities for many FADs including African swine fever, vesicular stomatitis, FMD, classical swine fever, and NAI. Diagnostic tests for FADs are conducted according to OIE gui delines [13, 49]

.

28APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Figure 7 : Location of CFIA and Provincial animal health laboratories [13]

The NCFAD employs over 75 staff members in 7 units [13] . One of the NCFAD’s main responsibilities is to provide annual training in FAD recognition, pathogenesis, and diagnosis. Participants include CFIA field veterinarians, veterinary pathologists, and veterinary diagnosticians from provincial laboratories.



### 7.1.2 **Provincial level**
The provincial animal health laboratory system consists of 14 animal health laborator ies located throughout southern and central Canada ( see Figure 7 ) [13] . Most provincial laboratories are organized under a specific provincial government but some are part of a university and/or veterinary college (e.g., Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Prince E dward Island). There are also 13 private diagnostic laboratories that conduct official tests for accredited veterinarians, usually for brucellosis, bovine leukemia, equine infectious anemia, or Trichinella spiralis . CFIA acts as the accrediting body for no n

- federal laboratories that provide testing for animal diseases and/or test meat for export.



### 7 **.2 Discussion** 
The laboratory network in Canada is well coordinated and capable of providing high

- quality support for

on

- going surveillance activities, as well as prompt diagnostic services for disease detection. The expansion capacity is greater for NAI, bluetongue, and other diseases for which provincial and/or private laboratories at the provincial level have diagnostic capacity. Diagnostic capacity for other hi ghly contagious FADs

— such as FMD

— could be overwhelmed in a large outbreak.

29APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### 8

**. Conclusions** 

• The Canadian veterinary services have adequate capacity, supported by appropriate legislation, to exercise control over animal health matters in Canada.

• The Canadia n veterinary services have access to sufficient field and laboratory resources to have reliable knowledge of the state of animal health in the country.

• Active and passive surveillance in Canada, in conjunction with a strong laboratory network, support the capacity to promptly detect an FAD incursion.

• Canada has a functional animal disease reporting system which covers all agricultural regions of the country and all veterinary administrative control areas.

• Canada has sufficient resources and technical capa bility in disease surveillance and diagnosis to establish and maintain a zone for international trade purposes , in most instances

.

• A widespread, multi

- focal, or rapidly progressing FAD outbreak may temporarily overwhelm
CFIA resources and negatively impac t its ability to contain the disease agent through zoning

.

• Contingency planning for animal health emergencies is supported at all levels of government as well as by key industry groups, promoting a cohesive response effort.

• Canada’s emergency response str ucture follow s internationally

- recognized ICS principles. The roles
, responsibilities , and contributions of the various entities within the ICS are well defined

.

• M andatory identification program for cattle, bison, and sheep enhance traceability of these

s pecies during an animal health emergency

.

30APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### Part 2

**— Procedures for zoning and maintaining zone integrity** 

Part 2 focuses on the actions that would occur in Canada in response to an FAD outbreak, from initial suspicion to resumption of normal operations. Th is includes the zoning procedures and principles applied to differentiate the disease status of the affected zone from the rest of the country (free zone).
The zoning strategy, along with the basic phases and procedures of the emerg ency response, are desc ribed in the CFIA’s Animal Health Functional Plan [29] and Emergency Response Plan [30] , with disease

- specific detail s provided in the Hazard Specific Plan s [50, 51]

. 

### 1. **Zoning strategy**

The basic CFIA strategy is to establish an area of control that contai n s the disease outbreak [ 30, 50

- 52 ]

. The area of control is defined in the Health of Animals Act and consists of a Primary Control Zone and, in some instances, a Secondary Control Zone. 2

The Primary Control Zone consists of three zones: an Infected Zone, a Restricted Zone, and a Security
Zone ( see Figure 8 ) [30, 50

- 52] . All are scalable areas and the CFIA can modify or redefine the boundaries as the outbreak progresses. The Infected Zone is the focus of control efforts and encompasses all known infected pr emises, with an outer perimeter extended at least 3 km beyond. The Restricted Zone surrounds the Infected Zone and has an outer perimeter at least 10 km from any known infected premises. The Security Zone consists of the area between the outer perimeter of the Restricted Zone and the edge of the Primary Control Zone , with no restrictions on size. If vaccination occurs, the CFIA would establish on e or more Vaccination Zones within the Restricted Zone

. The size of a Primary Control Zone is scalable depending on the risk posed by the disease agent and the circumstances of the outbreak. CFIA would consider factors such as administrative and jurisdictional boundaries, natural and manmade barriers, disease epidemiology, meteorological factors, livestock

movement patterns, continuity of business operations, and characteristics of infected and contact premises [50] . The boundaries of a Primary Control Zone are usually easily identifiable political or geographical boundaries.
It is CFIA policy to establish a Primary Control Zone as large as would be reasonably expected for the duration of the outbreak , so that any subsequent changes would only reduce the size. The zone would ideally encompass all aspects of the production chain for susceptible species, from feed supp ly to slaughter or rendering. Canada can reduce or enlarge a Primary Control Zone through a Ministerial

2 Canada amended Article 27 of the Health of Animals Act in 2012 to redefine the area of control. Previously termed the Control Area, the Act now contains provisions for Primary and Secondary Control Zones as descr ibed in this document. CFIA is revising their contingency plans to reflect the new definitions. CFIA is updating the HSPs to reflect the new terminology.

31APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

revocation and a new declaration , and may establish more than one Primary Control Zone if outbreaks occur in geographically distinct areas of the countr y

. Figure 8 : CFIA zone structure

The territory outside of a Primary Control Zone is typically considered the Free Zone. However, CFIA may impose a Secondary Control Zone to act as a buffer between the Primary Control Zone and t he Free Zone, if it was believed that there was the possibility of the disease moving outside of the Primary Control Zone , or if required by international tra ding partners [50]

. An infected premises found in the Free Zone or the Secondary Control Zone woul d result in the whole of that zone losing its free status.
The Primary Control Zone and the Secondary Control Zone, if established, are collectively termed the Control Zone throughout the remainder of this document.



### 2. **Emergency response phases** 

The CFIA d escribes 5 distinct phases of emergency response : Suspect Phase, Investigation Phase, Activation (Decision) Phase, Action Phase, and Demobilization and Recover Phase [30]

. 

### 2.1 **Suspect Phase**
The suspect phase starts with notification of a suspect FAD case to the CFIA and includes pre

- planning for an on

- site field investigation. CFIA does not typically employ official quarantine or zoning during the suspect phase except if the herd or flock is experiencing high mortality

. 

### 2.1 **.1 Triggers** 

A CFIA field investi gation i s triggered upon notifi cation of a suspect FAD case by an abattoir, laboratory, producer, private veterinarian , or other entity ; if a FAD is suspected upon routine inspection; or if notified of an FAD by a foreign government (imported animals) . CFI A may also launch a n investigation as part of the response to a national emergency (e.g., natural disasters) or due to a reported, suspected, or

32APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

heightened threat of bioterrorism. A field investigation starts the process that may result in declaration of a n FAD emergency.


### 2. **1.2 Field investigation** 
A field investigation team, consisting of the D V and other personnel as required, conducts the initial investigation. The DV fills out a pre

- visit report or species

- specific questionnaire with preliminary informat ion such as name, location, species affected, and clinical signs of disease. The DV notifies designated Region and Area officials that a field investigation is being initiated. The goal is for the field team to be headed to the potentially affected premise s within 1 hour of notification.
If the notification involves an abattoir with federal inspection, the CFIA VIC performs the duties of the DV and conducts the initial investigation. If necessary, the assistance of the DV is requested.



### 2

**. 2**  **Investigation Pha se**  The investigation phase encompasses examination of the suspect animals and premises, collection and submission of appropriate samples, and an epidemiological investigation. CFIA does not typically employ zoning during the investigation phase ; however, a n official quarantine is placed on the premises based on the risk decision

. 

### 2.2.1 **Epidemiological and clinical investigations**
After the field investigation team arrives at the suspect premises, a CFIA veterinarian interviews the owner, examines the animal s, and conducts post

- mortem examinations as necessary. The veterinarian completes a premises investigation questionnaire with detailed information about the premises, animals, people, suppliers, services, and movements. The DV reports the findings of the o n

- farm investigation to designated Region and Area officials. Based on clinical signs and the findings of the initial epidemiological investigation, the situation is determined to be no risk, low risk, or high risk for an FAD . This risk decision determines sample submission priority.



### 2.2.2 **Sampling**
Sample collection and submission occurs in accordance with the Common Procedures Manual [53]

. 

### 2.2.3 **Diagnosis**

If the DV / VIC determines that the situation is no risk, an FAD is ruled out and no samples are submit ted. In a low

- risk or high

- risk situation, an FAD either cannot be ruled out or is a definite possibility.

A low

- risk investigation requires that confirmatory negative samples be submitted, which are tested during normal laboratory working hours. The on

- s ite CFIA veterinarian completes a generic specimen submission form and submits it to a pre

- planned distribution list that includes designated Region and Area officials, the Laboratory Diagnostic Coordinator, and others as needed.
In a high

- risk investigat ion, samples are submitted and tested 7 days a week. The on

- site veterinarian collects and prepares specimens for shipment to the diagnostic laboratory, completes a specimen

33APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

submission form for high

- risk samples, and submits it to a pre

- planned distributio n list for high

- risk situations (including National level). After submitting the samples, the veterinarian finalizes the premises investigation questionnaire and sends it to the Area office for distribution.
Depending on the disease, samples are submitted directly to the NCFAD or

— as in the case of avian influenza

— to NCFAD and a participating network laboratory. When non

- negative results are obtained by a network laboratory, samples are forwarded to the NCFAD for confirmatory testing. The NCFAD may request that the on

- site CFIA veterinarian submit additional samples for confirmatory testing.



### 2.2.4 **Movement controls**
The DV/VIC may elect to officially quarantine a premises by declaring it to be an Infected Place, with or without consultation with the Area offi ce. The Infected Place declaration results in movement restrictions on animals, animal products, persons, vehicles, and other items that could act as fomites to spread the disease. 3



### 2.3 **Activation (Decision)**  **Phase**
The activation phase focuses on events at the national level that lead to a declaration of emergency by the President and Senior Management Committee of the CFIA. This is an essential step prior to declaration of a Control Zone by the Minister. Although no zoning decisions are made at the national level during this phase, the CFIA may enact circumferential movement restrictions as described below.



### 2.3.1 **Decision to activate**

The CFIA at the national level determines if the situation is to be declared an emergency , defined as “an abnormal situation which, to limit damage to persons, property, or the environment, requires prompt
action beyond normal procedures.” A declaration of emergency by the President of the CFIA automatically triggers mobilization of ERTs at various levels and the activation of t he ICS

. However, in high

- risk situations, the DV/VIC may elect to mobilize a Field ERT and begin depopulation, even prior to laboratory confirmation of an FAD. Similarly, the Area office may have mobilized Area and Regional ERTs and further implemented th e ICS, prior to a declaration of emergency.



### 2.3.2 **Reporting**
The NCFAD informs the network laboratory and the CFIA officials at the national level of confirmed positive laboratory results, which are then communicated to the Areas, Regions, Field (Districts)
,

3 Infected Place is a Canadian legal term for a premises or place that has been declared an Infected P lace by a CF IA Inspector under Section 22 and 23 of the Health of Animals Act and consequent restrictions have been imposed by the Act limiting the movement of animals, animal products, by

- products, and things. A distinction may be made by stating “suspect Infected Place” versus “positive Infected Place ” as indicated in the AHFP. All premises in an IZ are considered suspect Infected Places unless or until confirmed infected, or zone restrictions are lifted.

34APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

Provincial Veterinarian (FADES plan contact), and industry . The OIE Delegate and the Office of the CVO notifies the international community of confirmed FAD outbreaks. In addition, Canada and the United States notify each other of any and all confirmatio ns of NAI [47]

. 

### 2.3.3 **Movement controls**
The Area Incident Command may implement movement controls on any premises within a 5

- kilometer radius of a suspected infected premises, in accordance with the Health of Animals Act [6] . In such cases, CFIA officials must deliver individual premises quarantine notices as appropriate.



### 2.4 **Action Phase**
Following the CFIA President’s declaration of emergency, the N ational ERT determines appropriate boundaries for the Control Zone and communicat es this information to the Minister of AAFC. The Minister of AAFC establishes the Control Zone through a Ministerial Declaration, in accordance with the Health of Animals Act

. The Area ERTs subsequently establish Infected, Restricted, and Security Zones.
The Field ERTs carry out con trol measures on affected premises, including quarantine and movement control, biosecurity and biocontainment, vector and wildlife control, destruction and disposal of susceptible species, decontamination of vehicles and other fomites, and premises cleanin g and disinfection. These measures are described in detail in the Hazard Specific Plans.
Canada follows a stamping

- out policy for all FADs; however, CFIA would consider emergency vaccination depending on the particular circumstances of the outbreak. This could include ring vaccination outside

an Infected Zone , suppressive vaccination of high

- risk herds or flocks, or genetic preservation by vaccination. Scenario trees to guide vaccination decisions for diseases such as NAI and FMD are laid out in the Hazard Specific Plans [50, 51]

. CFIA procedures for epidemiological investigations and tracing, movement controls, and surveillance during an outbreak are discussed in detail below, as these elements are particularly critical to the ability to establish and mai ntain a distinct and effective Control Zone. The claim to disease freedom in the Free
Zone is largely substantiated by demonstrating through epidemiological investigation and movement tracing that the outbreak i s contained within the Control Zone

. Control of movement is essential to contain the outbreak and ensure the integrity of the zone boundaries. Active and passive surveillance enables facilitates disease detection and supports the claim of disease freedom in the Free Zone and, ultimately, within the C ontrol Zone.



### 2.4.1 **Epidemiological investigation and tracing**
The CFIA conducts tracing investigations to determine the possible source and spread of infection, including both tra ce

- ins and trace

- out s during the critical period. The CFIA follows OIE guidel ines in

35APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

determining the critical period

— usually 1 maximum incubation period 4

— for tracing investigations [50, 51] . For example, the OIE Code states that, for trade purposes, avian influenza has an incubation period of 21 days [1] . The NAI Hazard Specific Pl an therefore calls for trace

- in and trace

- out investigations for the 21 days preceding the onset of clinical signs of avian influenza [51] . Similarly, the critical period for FMD tracing is 14 days for cattle and swine, and 21 days for sheep and goats [50] . The CFIA may lengthen the critical period based on field determination with consideration for the species present, their propensity for clinical expression, and other concerns [50, 51].
The epidemiological investigation typically starts with an initial questionnaire completed by the field investigation team, which forms the basis for tracing investigations to determine the possible source or spread of infection. Trace

- out investigations include susceptible animals and their products, animal
conveyances, feed trucks, cars, materials such as bedding and grains, and human traffic, particularly people in the animal service industries (e.g., veterinarians, artificial inseminators, sales and feed representatives, trades people, and visitors)

. During the 2007 HP NAI outbreak in Saskatchewan, the CFIA undertook tracing of all poultry, poultry products and things exposed to poultry or poultry products into or out of the infected premises during the 21

- day critical period. This included review of farm biosecurity pro tocols and tracing of movement of farm personnel, vaccination crews, feed providers, poultry extension personnel, and other entities.

P otential source premises (trace

- in s ) are declared Infected Places and susceptible livestock inspected for clinical signs . If clinical signs are detected in a trace

- in or trace

- out herd, eradication activities start as soon as possible. If clinical signs are absent, the premises is quarantined and intensively monitored using clinical examinations and testing for at least one critical period.



### 2.4.2 **Movement controls**
As noted above, movement controls start with quarantine of a single suspect premises. Prior to declaration of a Control Zone, the CFIA may declare as infected other premises within a 5

- kilometer radius of a suspect ed infected premises by delivering individual premises quarantine notices . Once a Control Zone is established, all s usceptible animals, animal products, animal by

- products, and any other related items within the zone are subject to CFIA movement controls. The one exception is FMD, where confirmation of the disease agent would initially result in a nationwide livestock sta ndstill order [50]

. The CFIA uses risk assessment to guide movement control decisions and regulates movement via a permit system [50, 51]

. Factors considered in the assessment of risk include the innate ability of a particular commodity to contain, sustain, and transmit the FAD agent; the origin and destination of the commodity; the direction of moveme nt ; the effectiveness of treatment (if a ny); and the fate of the

4 Maximum incubation period: the longest known or assumed period that elapses between the introduction of a pathogen into a susceptible animal the occurrence of the first clinical signs of the disease.

36APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

commodity once moved. Surveillance requirements prior to movement are based on the maximum incubation period of the FAD agent.
CFIA contingency plans contain both general and disease

- specific guidelines for movement of susceptible animals and animal products into, within, and out of a Control Zone [50, 51] . Zone classification

— the internal zone in which a premises is located

— is the primary guide in the CFIA movement control schemes. Movement control decisions are additionally infor med by the situation on the ground.

The CFIA places signage along the boundaries of the Control Zone and internal zones, establish es movement control checkpoints at areas such as weigh scales and toll booths
, and conducts movement monitoring and on

- site co mpliance investigations throughout the Control Zone. The CFIA may require cleaning and disinfection of all vehicles leaving the Infected Zone or Control Zone, depending on the risk and volume of traffic.



### 2.4.3 **Surveillance** Surveillance for disease detecti on

The CFIA contingency plans include both general and hazard

- specific surveillance plans and objectives that can be tailored to address specific situations [50, 51]

. Surveillance is accomplished through clinical inspection, targeted sampling, sentinel ani mals, random sampling, information from slaughterhouse samples, first point testing, and passive surveillance from the public and veterinarians. It is ongoing throughout the outbreak, although the emphasis changes from finding infected animals to demonstra ting that no infected animals or premises are present. The intensity of surveillance reflects the zone designation and the premises designation, as well as the type of operation

. The CFIA directs initial surveillance testing at premises in close proximity to the affected premises, as well as premises that have had significant contact with the infected herd or flock through movement of animals, people, things, or equipment. Diagnostic teams investigate reports of disease received from the public and conduct inspections of premises identified to be at high risk by the Field Epidemiology and Tracing Unit. Surveillance activities on other premises are carried out by veterinarians who have not knowingly been exposed to the disease agent.

Within the I nfected Z one , all premises with susceptible animals are subjected to surveillance testing and evaluation of the biosecurity and biocontainment measures in place. Premises are then monitored weekly or twice weekly throughout the outbreak response, through clinical exam ination or telephone contact with experienced producers who have extensive contact with their animals. Surveillance also occurs through examination and sampling of dead animals

— i.e., routine testing of mortality from potentially exposed herds or flocks

— and investigations of premises reporting sick animals by a trained FAD diagnostician (sick calls). Surveillance activities include pre

- movement testing

— prior to a scheduled movement of susceptible animals to slaughter

— and testing of significant contact herds or flocks that are

37APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

to be preemptively destroyed. Surveillance continues until completion of cleaning and disinfection of the last known infected premises in the zone.

Surveillance in the R estricted Z one includes monitoring of quarantined and high

- risk pre mises similar to
I nfected Z one surveillance. A CFIA veterinarian must conduct a whole

- herd clinical inspection before issuing a movement permit. Any suspicions reported by private practitioners, owners, or others are treated as sick calls and responded to by a trained FAD diagnostician. Sampling of susceptible animals on these premises occurs as described above.
If vaccination occurs, vaccination teams perform clinical inspection of all animals before vaccinating and conduct serological surveys within herds as required for epidemiological investigations. Any suspicions are treated as sick calls.



### Surveillance in the Free Zone
Surveillance in the Security and Free Zones consists primarily of passive surveillance through public education and outreach, investiga tive testing of dead animals (susceptible species), sick calls by a trained FAD diagnostician
, and targeted serological surveys. Cases presented to veterinary diagnostic laboratories with undetermined etiology may be tested serologically. An active surveil lance program exists for NAI, the Canadian Notifiable Avian Influenza Surveillance System (CanNAISS) [48]

. 

### Surveillance for proof of freedom
Canada abides by OIE standards for member countries described in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code [1, 13, 50, 51] . The Code provides general guidelines on surveillance as well as disease

- specific strategies for recovery of free status following an outbreak. The surveillance guidelines include recommended design prevalence and confidence and are based on regular clini cal, pathological, virological, and/or serological examination of the susceptible population. Individual member countries are responsible for proving to trading partners that the affected zone meets the criteria for free status.



### 2.5 **Demobilization and Re covery Phase** 

**2.5**

**. 1**  **Release of quarantine**
The CFIA maintains measures in place in the zones within the Control Zone until a minimum prescribed time period

— typically at least one critical period

— has elapsed after the cleaning and disinfection of all confirme d infected premises. A subgroup within the ICS is responsible for quarantine of affected premises, compliance monitoring, and quarantine release throughout the outbreak response. Criteria for quarantine release are developed at the national level [30]

. Inf ected premises must be left vacant for a prescribed period of time after cleaning and disinfection. Restocked animals undergo clinical and serological surveillances. Sentinel animals are used where appropriate. If there is no evidence of the FAD after a de fined period, a CFIA veterinarian may release the declaration of Infected Place and full restocking can occur. Premises not intending to restock may be

38APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

released from declared Infected Place status after a prescribed

— typically longer

— period of time has

pass ed.



### 2.5

**. 2**  **Waiting period**

In addition to the surveillance described in Section 2.4
, Canada intends to abide by disease

- specific waiting periods for recovery of free status prescribed by the OIE [1, 13, 50, 51] . These waiting periods reflect the epidemiolog ical characteristics of the disease agent and are typically 3

- 6 months, depending on whether stamping out occurred or vaccination was used. A country can regain free status after the waiting period, provided that it has carried out appropriate surveillance during that time period with negative results.



### 2.5.3 **Demobilization**
The Control Zone may be modified (reduced) by Ministerial declaration as the outbreak is eradicated, or lifted without modification. The President of the CFIA decides when to demobilize t he E RT s

. 

### 3. **Conclusions**

• Zoning is a primary component of the Canadian national strategy for control and eradication of an FAD outbreak; the CFIA would respond to an FAD outbreak by rapidly implementing movement controls to limit further disease spread and establishing a Control Zone

.

• The extent of the Control Zone and its geographical limits would be based on natural, artificial and/or legal boundaries, and made public through official channels.

• The veterinary services would apply a stamping out policy aim ed at eradicating the FAD ; vaccination would be considered on an as

- needed basis

.

• In accordance with existing contingency plans, and as demonstrated during recent FAD outbreaks, the CFIA would take action to :

• Ensure appropriate standstill of movement of animals and other commodities upon notification of suspicion of an FAD outbreak;

• Conduct an epidemiological investigation (trace

- back, trace

- forward) to identify the likely source of the outbreak and the extent of the spread of infection;

• Demonstrate that the outbreak is contained within the Control Zone through epidemiological investigation and surveillance

— both within the Control Zone and in the rest of the country

— after confirmation of infection;

• Conduct ongoing and statistically

- valid surveillance withi n the Control Zone for the purposes of disease detection and, ultimately, proof of freedom;

• Increase active and passive surveillance for the disease agent in the rest of the country (outside of the Control Zone );

39APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada

• Regulate the movement of animals and other commodities so as to maintain the integrity of the Infected and Control Zone s and epidemiological separation from animal populations in the Free Zone ;

• Identify and differentiate between animals and commodities originating from within and outside of the Con trol Zone, via a permit system ;

• Abide by internationally

- accepted waiting periods for recovery of disease

- free status.



### Risk estimate

APHIS concludes that, in the event of a limited FAD outbreak, the Canadian veterinary services have sufficient legal autho rity, organization, and infrastructure to establish and maintain an effective disease control zone

. A widespread, multi

- focal, or rapidly progressing FAD outbreak may temporarily overwhelm CFIA resources and negatively impact its ability to contain the dis ease agent through zoning

. CFIA measures for containing an FAD outbreak within the control zone

— including animal movement control , epidemiological investigation and tracing, a stamping out policy, biosecurity measures, surveillance, and laboratory diagnost ics

— are designed to ensure the integrity of the zone and protect the animal health status in a disease

- free zone , in accordance with international standards . For the purposes of international trade, the Canadian veterinary services would be able to provide accurate and valid certification that animals and animal products originate from outside of the control zone

.

40APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



### Annex 1 **: Reportable diseases**
**Reportable diseases**

The Reportable Diseases Regulations require animal owners, animal caretakers, veterinarians , and laboratories to immediately report to a CFIA District Veterinarian the presence of an animal that is contaminated or suspected of being contaminated with one of the disease in Table A

- 1 [54]

. Table A

- 1: Reportable diseases in Canada

African swine fev er H og cholera (classical swine fever)

A naplasmosis L umpy skin disease

A nthrax Newcastle disease

B luetongue P este des petits ruminants

B ovine spongiform encephalopathy P seudorabies (Aujeszky’s disease)

B ovine tuberculosis ( M. B ovis ) P ullorum disease ( S. P ullorum )

B rucellosis R abies

C hronic wasting disease of cervids Rift Valley fever

C ontagious bovine pleuropneumonia Ri nderpest

C ontagious equine metritis S crapie
C ysticercosis S heep and goat pox

E quine infectious an emia S wine vesicular disease

E q uine piroplasmosis ( B. E qui and B. C aballi ) T richinellosis

F oot and mouth disease (FMD) Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis

F owl typhoid ( Salmonella gallinarum ) V esicular stomatitis

H ighly pathogenic avian influenza



### Immediately notifiable diseases

Im mediately notifiable diseases are listed in the Health of Animals Regulations (Schedule VII) [7] . In general, they are disease exotic to Canada for which a response policy is developed with other stakeholders, if a response is considered appropriate. This category also includes some rare indigenous diseases. Only laboratories are required to contact the CFIA regarding the suspicion or diagnosis of an immediately notifiable disease. 

### Annually notifiable diseases
Annually notifiable diseases are listed in the Health of Animals Regulations (Schedule VIII) [7] . These are disease for which Canada must submit an annual report to the OIE indicating their presence in Canada. All veterinary laboratories are required to comment on Canada’s report to the OIE. In general , annually notifiable diseases are present in Canada but are not classified as reportable or immediately notifiable.

41APHIS evaluation of zoning for FAD control in Canada



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