The B.C. government is now better equipped to manage and respond to animal diseases as a result of the Animal Health Act and associated regulations coming into force.

The act replaces almost-70-year-old-legislation and enables the B.C. government to respond with modern animal disease management practices such as inspections, seizures, quarantine and surveillance orders, and the ability to enact emergency powers.

Effective Jan. 19, 2015:

• The scope of provincial authority for disease control expands from 16 diseases to over 120, meaning a quicker initial response to more than 100 additional diseases.
• Disease control measures such as restricting the movement or sale of affected animals, animal products (such as milk or eggs) or animal byproducts such as wool or hides come into effect, reducing the possibility of diseases spreading.
• An administrative penalty system for less-serious contraventions is enabled, including an increased maximum penalty under the act from $2,000 to $75,000 for individuals convicted of an offence.
• Additional regulations, which also come into force, modernize requirements for livestock sales yards and related businesses; increase health management requirements for fur farm operators; update record-keeping and traceability requirements for game farm operators; and update registration, importation and movement requirements for beekeepers.

The Animal Health Act was passed in spring 2014 to strengthen the detection and management of diseases that can spread between animals and humans; ensure competitiveness of farm operations through the prevention, early detection, and eradication of animal diseases; and reflect the realities of increasing global travel and trade.

Learn More:

To view a copy of the Animal Health Act, visit:
http://www.leg.bc.ca/40th2nd/3rd_read/gov19-3.htm

For more information on the Animal Health Act regulations, visit:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/topic.page?id=63754A0B87884628B56E28AFFB7F79BB

Media Contacts:

Ministry of Agriculture Communications
250 356-1674