The association for Canadian veterinarians is concerned federal plans for salmon farms in BC will have negative consequences on other farming sectors.
The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association recently sent a letter to Fisheries and Oceans Canada Minister Diane Lebouthillier about the plan to remove conventional net pens from BC waters by 2029. President Dr. Timothy Arthur says the decision does not appear to align with DFO’s own scientific assessments of the industry.
Arthur says veterinarians believe it will have substantial implications for the erosion of science-based decision-making across Canada, including in other animal farming sectors. Arthur adds veterinary experts in salmon and fish diseases believe science does not support the proposed ban.
“The CVMA recognizes the contentious nature of this issue, however the CVMA also supports and promotes firm commitment to evidence-based decision-making in the development of food animal production policies,” Arthur says. “We recommend pausing the proposed ban and re-engaging with the scientific community, including veterinarians, who are experts in salmon population health. This will ensure that the methods used to investigate the interaction between wild and farmed salmon health are properly validated and evaluated according to rigorous scientific standards.”
The association represents more than 15,000 veterinarians across Canada providing care to millions of animals, supporting public health, food safety, and animal welfare.
