The Government of Prince Edward Island has appointed a new provincial veterinarian, said Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Alan McIsaac.
“Dr. Carolyn Sanford has accepted the appointment of Provincial Veterinarian with the Government of Prince Edward Island,” said Minister McIsaac. “Dr. Sanford has extensive training as a veterinarian and her expertise in epidemiology will be of great benefit to both the livestock and aquaculture industries.”
Dr. Sanford will jointly address policy and regulatory issues related to animal health and welfare and those related to the cultured finfish industry on Prince Edward Island. She will oversee the health of finfish being transferred to and from P.E.I. and issue certification that they meet the Atlantic Provinces health criteria requirements for the transfer of finfish.
“The provincial finfish industry is export focused and has potential for growth and that is why monitoring and approving transfers is of paramount importance, to ensure diseases of local significance to the health of fish stocks are not moved between aquaculture sites or provinces,” said Minister McIsaac. “Providing the service of a veterinarian under contract of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will enable growth by providing support to Island companies and assisting them to meet the requirements to transfer their fish to other provinces.”
Dr. Sanford will fulfill the Provincial Veterinarian responsibilities that fall under the Animal Health and Protection Act and all associated regulations, as well as oversee provincial actions related to any potential disease outbreak in the livestock and poultry industries. She will also represent the province at the national level through membership on the Canadian Council of Chief Veterinary Officers.
Dr. Sanford will continue in her role as PEI’s epidemiologist while expanding her duties to include the role of Provincial Veterinarian which will strengthen the link between those involved in human and animal health.
“I am very excited to take on this new role and work with colleagues in both the agriculture and aquaculture sectors, here on P.E.I. and across Canada,” said Dr. Sanford.
The role of provincial veterinarian has been filled in a variety of ways over the last number of years including through departmental staff with veterinary training, a memorandum of understanding with the Atlantic Veterinary College and utilizing the services of a private veterinarian. In the transition from the MOU with AVC to today’s appointment, Dr. David Lister has capably fulfilled the role of Provincial Veterinarian on an interim basis.