OTTAWA, January 5, 2010: Canada has further strengthened its ability to
protect aquatic animal health and ensure the aquatic animal industry remains
strong. New regulations require all suspected or confirmed cases of serious
aquatic animal diseases to be reported the Canadian Food Inspection Agency
(CFIA).

The CFIA has
amended the Reportable Diseases Regulations to include 20 diseases that pose
serious risks to aquatic animal health, international trade, and the
economy.

"These amendments underscore the Government of Canada's commitment
to protecting our thriving aquaculture industry, which provides consumers
around the world with top-quality seafood," said Agriculture Minister
Gerry Ritz. "Canada is now better positioned to act quickly when serious
aquatic animal diseases are detected."

"Fishers and seafood processors are a vital part of communities across
Canada," said Fisheries and Oceans Minister Gail Shea. "Protecting
Canada's aquatic resources remains a top priority for this Government, and
I'm pleased with the cooperation among all parties to implement these
important regulatory changes."

These amendments complement the recent changes to the Health of Animals
Regulations, which enabled the CFIA to implement the
National Aquatic Animal Health Program. This science-based program helps
protect finfish, molluscs and crustaceans from aquatic diseases.

The new measures ensure Canada meets the standards set by the World
Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) for preventing disease spreading from the
trade of live animals or high-risk products.

These regulatory amendments were the result of extensive consultations with
the federal, provincial and territorial governments, industry and
stakeholders.

For
additional information on the amendments, visit:
http://www.canadagazette.gc.ca.

More information on the National Aquatic Animal Health Program and the
reportable aquatic animal diseases is available on the CFIA website.

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For information:

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media Relations
613-773-6600

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