RESEARCH FUNDING FOR MALIGNANT CATARRHAL FEVER

Today, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud announced $300,000 in new funding for research to study Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF). MCF is a viral disease that is carried by sheep with no ill effects, but can be fatal in bison when the two species are kept in close proximity.

This funding is in response to a recommendation in the MCF Task Force's report, which was also released today. The MCF Task Force was established by the provincial government in March 2011 to study MCF and develop recommendations for government and industry on how to best manage this disease. The Task Force included several industry representatives, including members of the sheep and bison industries, as well as the veterinary community, and was chaired by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities Vice-President Ray Orb.

"Our government is committed to working with industry and producers on animal disease issues such as this, and I want to thank the Task Force for their efforts," Bjornerud said. "This research funding will help to create a better understanding of MCF and how we can work together to limit the impacts of this disease in the future."

The provincial Agriculture Development Fund will provide $300,000 over three years for research projects on MCF. The Ministry of Agriculture is now accepting research proposals.

In addition, the provincial government will continue to provide funding to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine's Disease Investigation Unit (DIU), which was also recommended in the report. The DIU plays a valuable role in the awareness and prevention of infectious diseases in livestock. The DIU will receive $50,000 per year from the provincial government over the next three years to continue their important work.

The provincial government will address another recommendation in the Task Force's report by continuing to work with the bison and sheep industries to provide ongoing awareness and education on MCF. The other recommendations in the report will be given further consideration in the future.

"The key to further understanding MCF is for the bison and sheep industries and government to continue working together," Saskatchewan Bison Association President Les Kroeger said. "We are pleased with the provincial government's commitment to working together with industry to further raise awareness of this issue with our producers."

"MCF is a disease the sheep industry takes very seriously," Saskatchewan Sheep Development Board Executive Director Gordon Schroeder said. "We are encouraged by the provincial government's commitment to education, awareness, and further research on this matter."

The MCF Task Force report and further information on MCF are available at http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Livestock-Animal-Health-Welfare.

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For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2359
Email: patrick.boyle@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-527-0521