The Provincial Government and the province�s fur breeders are continuing to work collaboratively to move the industry forward now that testing has confirmed the presence of Aleutian Disease (AD) on mink farms in two geographical areas of the province � the eastern part of the island and Labrador.

"We now have a much better picture of the extent of the infection and know that it is limited to specific sites," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources. "We will continue to work with industry to develop a best practices guide for their use, based on the experiences of other mink-raising jurisdictions where this disease has existed for some time. This is a significant issue for this industry and we are collecting information and proceeding in full consultation with those who have the most at stake."

Test results indicate that of 26 sites tested, eight are positive for the disease, 17 have no indication of the disease and one is considered suspect pending further testing of a possible false positive.

"The majority of sites have no indication of the disease at this point and these operators have put in place measures to prevent contamination from reaching their farms," said Dr. Hugh Whitney, provincial veterinarian. "We are working with experts in Denmark, at the Atlantic Veterinary College, Nova Scotia Agricultural College and Ontario Veterinary College to help identify the strain and if possible the source. In addition, we are supporting testing in all farms where the owners request it. A committee of industry and government officials is also working on protocols to help eliminate the disease and avoid spread to further farms."

Other jurisdictions have put in place AD control plans that resulted in their farms managing the spread of the disease and, over a period of time, returning to AD-free status. The Provincial Government is prepared to work with industry to develop a long-term plan.

In the short term, the Provincial Government is already acting on a number of recommendations from the Newfoundland and Labrador Fur Breeders� Association that have the support of animal health officials. The Provincial Government is covering the costs associated with blood testing and associated testing protocols as part of AD monitoring and control and funding priority will be given under existing provincial programs to assist industry in implementing biosecurity measures to contain accidental animal release or wild mink entry. In addition, the provincial and federal governments are working towards providing funding for a fur farming training program. Provincial animal health officials will ensure an appropriate AD control component is incorporated into this program.

"Our members fully support the work of animal health officials to date and the consultative approach being taken by the Provincial Government in determining the best way to deal with AD in the province," said Merv Wiseman, president of the Newfoundland and Labrador Fur Breeders� Association. "We understand that, based on the experiences of mink farmers in other jurisdictions, the answers are not simple and we are working with our animal health experts on possible options for our farmers in dealing with this disease."

Individual test results were shared with the industry and the affected farms as received, as well as information and advice. The Provincial Government and industry agreed that test results would be released in full when completed. Results will not be released by individual farm.

Work is continuing to identify the strain of the virus, which will help in determining how it was introduced. The virus found here was compared to the 23 other known strains of the virus worldwide and it is not the same as any of these. In determining its origin, officials are exploring the possibility that it has always been here without being diagnosed or that it came from wild mink, illegally imported untested mink or contaminated farm equipment brought into the province. Testing in 2004 of over 6,000 mink in the province did not identify the presence of the disease at that time.

For more information on the test results, contact Dr. Whitney at 709-729-6879.

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Media contact:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca

2007 08 15                                         3:55 p.m.