Canadian Investment Strengthens Research Into Antibiotic Alternatives

CANADA - Canada’s poultry industry will be able to address a significant productivity issue thanks to a new $400,000 investment.
calendar icon 17 July 2015
clock icon 3 minute read

This investment will enable the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) to develop and commercialise a novel technology that delivers an immunity-boosting aerosol protectant to chickens as an alternative to antibiotics.

The new funding was announced recently by Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

This project supports a multi-regional partnership with poultry farms based in Saskatchewan and British Columbia, and engages highly qualified personnel in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia as well as industry associations from both Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Karen Chad, Vice-President in Research at the University of Saskatchewan, said: “Based on years of research, U of S veterinary pathologist Dr Susantha Gomis and his collaborators have developed an innovative idea for treating bacterial infections in chickens that will provide Canadian poultry producers with another effective tool in their flock health kit. It’s exciting research that will have significant impact in strengthening Canada’s agriculture industry.”

Kelly Block, Member of Parliament for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar, said: “The poultry industry is a major force within the Canadian economy. Our Government is proud to support the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine in developing an alternative to antibiotics that will address a significant productivity issue for the poultry industry.

"Thanks to our Government’s investment, the ability of Canada’s poultry farmers and producers to grow and prosper will be enhanced.”

The Canadian poultry industry is comprised of over 25 hatcheries, 2700 chicken farmers, and 185 processors. This industry sustains 56,000 jobs and contributes $6.5 billion to Canada’s annual GDP.

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