Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund

Canada’s New Government has committed a total of $3 million in funding over five years for avian biosecurity-related projects. The Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund was established in 2006 to provide assistance to eligible recipients to develop or advance on-farm biosecurity technologies of interest to the Canadian poultry sector.

Biosecurity refers to measures that protect the health of livestock by preventing transmission of disease. It is the most important investment industry can make to limit opportunities for the introduction and spread of avian influenza and other infectious diseases in their flock.

Eligible projects are selected based on essential criteria, under the categories of Technology Development, Technology Acceleration and Technology Demonstration. The Fund is managed by the Office of Animal Biosecurity of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Seven projects were selected for funding for the 2006/2007 fiscal year, with a total investment of $500,000. Those projects include:

Study of Microbial Contaminants on Shell Egg Conveyance Equipment
Canadian Egg Marketing Agency

This study will evaluate the risk of contamination of conveyance equipment used in production units and hatcheries, in grading stations and processing plants, and in transit. The goal is to develop acceptable, national protocols for cleaning and disinfecting trays, carts, and plastic skids/dividers. Proper equipment, which meets or exceeds the objectives of these protocols, will also be recommended.

Biosecurity Teaching Facility
University of Alberta

The Poultry Research Centre (PRC) of the University of Alberta is updating teaching materials and training facilities for its biosecurity program. Activities include:

the development of manuals outlining a complete biosecurity program, including a detailed account of retrofitting existing facilities with improved biosecurity measures; and,
the development of training activities and learning tools to disseminate the project results - including an industry workshop, training sessions for PRC users, and short educational videos about on-farm biosecurity.
The concepts and practices that are being developed through this study are intended to provide practical knowledge that can be adopted by both students and industry.

Anterooms for Existing Poultry Barns
eBiz Professionals Inc.

This project involves the design and construction of new anterooms (entrance ways) for existing poultry barns on farms in British Columbia and Ontario. Funding has been granted for the design and construction of four anterooms – three in British Columbia and one in Ontario.

Enhanced Equipment for Poultry Catching Crews
eBiz Professionals Inc.

Gates and fences are used by catchers to contain poultry when they are being collected for transportation. Units are often transported between farms, thus posing a significant risk for disease transmission. This project includes the design and development of four different prototypes for gates and fences that can remain on poultry farms. The goal is to develop a unit that can be mass-produced at a reasonable cost, and can be properly cleaned and stored on location. The intention is to help eliminate the risk of disease transmission from farm-to-farm.

Crate Washing Systems
eBiz Professionals Inc.

Crate washers are used in the receiving area of poultry processing plants to ensure that crates, which are used to transport poultry from farm-to-farm, are thoroughly cleaned and remain free of contaminated material. This project will examine a range of crate-washing systems and determine areas for improvement. With the assistance of processing personnel and equipment suppliers, design concepts for new systems will be developed and new prototypes built.

Chemical Fogger
Canards du lac Brome Ltée.

A chemical fogger for disinfecting poultry premises will be installed and tested on the grounds of a duck breeding operation. The goal is to heighten preventative measures against the infection of high-risk diseases among poultry by enhancing disinfection and sanitizing techniques, by use of the chemical fogger.

Plastic Nests for Commercial Waterfowl Production Facility
King Cole Ducks Limited

Pathogenic micro-organisms, such as salmonella, commonly contaminate newly-laid eggs in waterfowl species. This project will examine the efficacy of plastic nest boxes in lowering the presence of micro-organisms, in comparison with traditional wooden nest boxes.

All recipients of funding through the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund are required to submit a final report to the CFIA regarding the outcome of their respective project(s). Under the agreement, any new technologies, techniques and protocols that are developed and approved must be published and shared with the Canadian poultry industry for widespread use.

For more information on the Avian Biosecurity Technology Development Fund and the above mentioned projects, please contact:

Dr. Keith G. Campbell
National Manager, Office of Animal Biosecurity
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-221-3913
campbellkg@inspection.gc.ca