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STATEMENT BY MINISTER RITZ REGARDING A CASE OF H1N1 INFLUENZA A IDENTIFIED AT AN ALBERTA HOG FARM
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 2, 2009 - Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today issued the following statement regarding a case of H1N1 Influenza A identified at an Alberta hog farm.
"First and foremost, I want to make it clear that Canadian pork is safe. The international scientific community, including the OIE and WHO, agree that H1N1 Influenza A is not a food safety issue. We will continue to reassure Canadian consumers and our international trading partners that Canadian pork is safe.
"The case identified in Alberta is entirely contained. There is no threat to human or animal health.
"The CFIA is working closely with provincial authorities and the industry to intensively monitor the Canadian swine herd. Canada is committed to full transparency and is sharing the most current scientific information with the international community. The CFIA will continue to provide further updates as they become available.
"We will continue to work with our trading partners to ensure that trade decisions are based on sound science. We will continue to reiterate the fact that pork is safe as stated by the OIE and WHO.
"I have spoken to American Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to make our American neighbours aware of the situation. He has assured me that Canadian hog producers will continue to have access to the American market. We will continue to work with our American partners as we deal with this issue.
"This Government will continue to work closely with Canadian pork producers to make sure they have the support they need."
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-759-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-759-1059
Media Relations
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
To obtain a news release that is more than five years old, contact mediar@agr.gc.ca.