Message from the President
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is Canada’s largest science-based regulator. As such, we rely on high-quality, timely, and relevant science to make informed decisions.
The Agency operates in a complex and ever-changing environment and must adapt to evolving science and technology (S&T). We strive to maintain a flexible and responsive science program to support the Government of Canada’s priorities. The type of scientific advice that decision makers need has become increasingly complex and the demand for scientific services is continuously rising. By developing partnerships that facilitate the delivery of integrated science, we can maximize flexibility in a constantly evolving regulatory environment. This approach is made possible by leveraging existing and future science capacity in Canada and by investing in testing, research, and development capacities.
The Agency’s scientists provide specialized laboratory testing, research, surveillance, risk assessment, product evaluation, and expert scientific advice to Agency staff. Furthermore, these scientists develop the new technology required to support the Agency’s activities and therefore meet its mandate.
The CFIA’s Science Branch has continued to demonstrate commitment to scientific leadership. Its dedication has contributed not only to the success and development of the CFIA but also the well-being of Canadians.
Carole Swan President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Carole Swan President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Message from the Vice-President
Martine Dubuc Vice-President, Science Branch
As Vice-President of the Science Branch, I am pleased to present an overview of the important work that our scientists conducted throughout the year.
Within the Agency, the Science Branch creates, transfers, and implements sciencebased solutions to meet the many challenges faced by the Agency in its three business lines—food safety, animal health, and plant health.
Science in today’s environment is complex and multi-disciplinary. It requires horizontal coordination, partnerships, and connections with universities, other federal and provincial counterparts, industry, and the larger scientific community.
The Science Branch was created to consolidate the provision of scientific services to support the design, development, and delivery of CFIA programs and to reinforce the advisory and strategic role of science. The mission of the Branch is “to provide scientific leadership advice and laboratory services to contribute to an effective science-based organization.” Our teams find scientific solutions to issues of regulatory concern and they continue to develop new ways and new partnerships to achieve their goals.
The work of our scientists contributes directly to public health, economic growth, environmental protection, and public security in Canada. Communicating the science resulting from this work is essential. This document provides an overview of the important work conducted in the fiscal year 2009–2010 by our scientists in meeting the regulatory needs of policy development, program maintenance, and operational delivery in all three of the Agency’s business lines.
Martine Dubuc Vice President, Science Branch
Canadian Food Inspection Agency at a Glance
Our Mission:
To safeguard food, animals, and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada’s people, environment, and economy.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is the largest science-based regulatory agency in Canada. It is responsible for delivering all federallymandated programs for food inspection, plant and animal health, and consumer protection as it relates to food.
The CFIA relies on sound science as the basis of its program design and regulatory decision-making. The specific activities for which the CFIA needs and uses science to support its daily work
include laboratory diagnostic tests, research, surveillance, and technology development. CFIA scientists also conduct risk assessments and analyze scientific data to provide technical and scientific advice and intelligence to help CFIA officials identify and prepare for emerging issues. This scientific expertise is also an integral component of regulatory policy and standards development, not only in Canada, but internationally.
This document highlights the CFIA Science Branch’s science activities in 2009–2010 and demonstrates the critical role that our science plays in protecting Canadian consumers, farmers, foresters, processors, and distributors (importers and exporters) from emerging animal diseases, plant pests, and food safety issues.
The document also demonstrates the importance of collaborating with academia, other science-based government departments and agencies (e.g., federal, provincial, territorial, and international), and other stakeholders. Collaboration allows all of these groups to better meet Canada’s need for high quality, effective, and efficient
science advice and research products. This, in turn, allows the CFIA to excel as a science-based regulator, and to be trusted and respected by Canadians and the international community.
CFIA Science Branch Laboratories
The Science Branch has a network of 14 laboratories across the country and approximately 1000 dedicated staff, including a broad range of specialists, professionals, and research scientists. While some laboratories conduct diagnostic tests and research activities in one specific domain, others support more than one field.
Strategic Goals
• Healthy Canadians
• Stronge Economic Growth
• A Clean and Healthy Environment
• A Fair and Secure Marketplace
• A Prosperous Canada through Global Commerce
Modernizing CFIA’s Federal Laboratories
CFIA Science Branch Laboratories
1. Sidney, BC
2. Burnaby, BC
3. Lethbridge, AB
4. Calgar y, AB
5. Sask atoon, SK
6. Winnipeg, MB
7. Greater Toronto Area, ON
8. O ttawa-Fallow eld, ON
9. O ttawa-Carling, ON
10. Longueuil, QC
11. St-Hyacinthe, QC
12. Charlottetown, PEI
13. Dar tmouth, NS
14. St. John’s, NL
As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the CFIA received more than $24 million in Budget 2009 to address deferred maintenance and help modernize the CFIA’s laboratories so that scientists and researchers can continue to work in safe, modern facilities and continue contributing to the health and safety of Canadians. Under the Accelerated Laboratory Infrastructure Program, 30 projects were approved and were completed, as planned, in 2009–2010. The completed projects include several chiller replacement units (Fallowfield, Lethbridge, and Calgary), a Cooling Tower Replacement at the Burnaby Laboratory, and upgrades to the Laboratory Sample Receiving Area, Fire Suppression, and Air Distribution systems, as well as a walk-in freezer, at the St-Hyacinthe Laboratory.
Anticipating Future Challenges in Plant Health, Animal Disease, and Food Safety
The CFIA is committed to anticipating future food safety, plant health, and animal disease challenges through strategic foresight that will inform and support leadership, advice, and planning for future science activities.
Governments, industry, and policy makers around the globe are increasingly employing foresight methods to anticipate future challenges to the world’s food supply and plant and animal resources. The CFIA is a leader and active participant in a variety of foresight endeavours. The following activities underway in 2009–2010 will allow the CFIA and its stakeholders to be proactive in managing long-term threats to plant and animal health, and food safety.
Animal Health Foresight
The CFIA is involved in two broad-based foresight initiatives for Canadian animal health. The Animal Health Science Agenda project, completed in 2009–2010, involved leaders and participants from government, academia, and industry. Future scenarios designed with a 20-year outlook for animal health science led to the development of four strategic objectives focused on Knowledge Generation; One Health Concept; Anticipation and Response; and Science Supporting Decision-making.
Foresight scenarios are used to anticipate future animal health challenges and to develop strategies to mitigate long-term threats.
The Foresight for Canadian Animal Health Project (Fore-CAN) is a three-year multi-partner initiative led by the CFIA and initiated in 2009–2010. It is focused on stakeholders in the animal health emergency management community working together across disciplines and jurisdictions to learn about and apply foresight methods to the development of strategies for building an effective,
robust, and anticipatory animal health emergency management system. ForeCAN participants include: the CFIA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA), the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (AARD), Canada’s veterinary colleges,
The CFIA St-Hyacinthe Laboratory (above and below ) plays a central role in food virology, and is recognized as the CFIA’s National Reference Laboratory Centre for food virology. The lab tests for food health risks such as Escherichia coli (above left), Listeria, and Salmonella, conducts research in animal diseases that can have an impact on public health, and provides training and certification for non-CFIA laboratories when required. The lab occupies a unique position to study the transmission and control of viruses throughout the food continuum.
and the Dairy Farmers of Canada. Activities in 2009–2010 included workshops to identify long-term issues and driving forces, develop plausible future scenarios, map the current system, and develop a shared vision for the future. Fore-CAN insights so far include emerging priorities for action centred on surveillance and intelligence, communications and collaboration, education and training, regulatory tools and systems, and new science and technology.
International Animal and Plant Health Initiatives and Workshops
The CFIA has engaged key federal players including Defence Research and Development Canada to work with the United States (US) government to develop a coordinated and strategic science and technology (S&T) collaboration in animal health. The Joint US-Canada Workshop on S&T Collaboration for Animal Health Threats was held in Maryland in February 2010. Working groups were established in risk assessment, science surveillance, diagnostics, biologics, research, and strategic planning. Various US representatives took part, including the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the Agricultural Research Service, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The CFIA’s Plant Biotechnology Risk Assessment Unit also hosted a symposium in February that looked
at how the CFIA can apply foresight to future challenges in plant health. Subject matter experts from Canada, the US, Mexico, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Israel presented and discussed challenges and best practices regarding weather, global trade, innovative products, and regulatory requirements for genetically modified crops.
Strategic Planning for Emerging Food Safety Threats
As filter feeders, shellfish have the capacity to bioaccumulate human pathogens introduced into the water around them from discharges of human wastes. Particles as small as viruses can accumulate in the digestive tract of bivalves during filter feeding. Because only a few infective particles are believed to be required to infect an individual, accumulation of intestinal viruses in bivalves can pose a risk to consumers if the shellfish are consumed raw or minimally cooked.
The CFIA is leading a series of projects with Health Canada to research, validate, and test strategies for the detection, characterization, and control of hepatitis A virus, noroviruses, and viral indicators in bivalve shellfish. To date, researchers have compiled the baseline data on the presence of Escherichia coli, male-specific bacteriophage, and their correlation with selected enteric viruses in sampled oysters and surrounding waters from sites in the Pacific and Atlantic regions of Canada.
The ultimate goal is to develop an alternative screening approach that will reliably predict viral contamination, and be complemented by the search for specific viruses to better identify the viral contamination source.
The CFIA is also working closely with PHAC’s Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses in Guelph on a pilot project
using a systematic review process to assess foodborne emerging infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonotic diseases). Phase One will investigate the zoonotic transmission of hepatitis E virus. An interim summary of the work, expected to be completed in 2010, was presented in October 2009 at the Safe Pork Conference in Quebec.
The CFIA maintains a renowned biotoxin surveillance program for shellfish, such as mussels, oysters, clams, lobsters (above), and shrimp, to protect consumers against contamination (e.g., diseases or pollutants) and product quality degradation.
Responding to Changing Demands Through Integrated Science
The CFIA provides timely and effective science support in response to emerging and urgent issues through a broad range of activities ranging from laboratory-based science (e.g., testing, surveillance, and research) to non-laboratory-based science such as risk assessments, policy studies, and disease surveillance.
Cutting-edge Food Safety Research, Testing, and Monitoring
Food safety is the CFIA’s top priority. Our food safety science includes improving and developing new testing methods, verifying industry practices and protocols, and determining whether industry is in compliance with food safety policies and standards. CFIA scientific activities supporting food safety include: allergen testing; surveillance and detection of new and emerging foodborne pathogens (such as parasites, viruses, and emerging bacterial pathogens); residue testing of contaminants (veterinary drugs, agricultural chemicals, industrial and environmental pollutants, and natural toxins); laboratory testing and analysis to support investigations and recalls; and researching, developing, validating, and implementing rapid methods.
The CFIA’s laboratory in Longueuil provides diagnostic testing to verify the nutritional labelling regulation and nutritive composition standards of foodstuffs (above). The laboratory also provides diagnostic services for food allergens, food colours, and analysis of marine toxins.
To ensure Canada’s produce is safe from the farm to the table, the CFIA conducts world-class research on new testing methods for food allergens, additives, contaminants (such as natural toxins, veterinary drugs, and other pollutants), and diseases.
Increasing the Efficiency of Chemical Residue Testing
The CFIA is responsible for monitoring chemical residues in food and determining compliance with the maximum allowable limits to ensure food safety. CFIA food safety scientists are always looking at ways to improve the efficiency and accuracy of testing methods. In 2009–2010, for example, the Food Safety Science Directorate conducted a study on the methods used to detect dithiocarbamates, a class of fungicides used on many fruits and vegetables in Canada and the United States. The researchers determined that of the two methods currently employed for dithiocarbamates—ultraviolet or headspace gas chromatography—the latter is more cost effective, sensitive, and provides more detailed information, making this the technique preferred by CFIA laboratories. This will result
in reduced costs and provide a better basis for food safety decision making.
New Screening Methods for Listeria Enhancing Public Safety
The CFIA constantly strives to improve food safety technologies and provide the best approaches for detecting foodborne pathogens as quickly as possible. For example, CFIA food microbiology laboratories across Canada have been working together on a modified screening method for Listeria monocytogenes in food. The new screening method was validated for use in processed meat products in early 2009 and has since been shown to be more efficient at detecting L. monocytogenes in fruit and vegetable samples and environmental swabs compared to the established method of
growing the organism in culture. With improved turnaround times, the new method is welcome news to industry and consumers, and will help improve public confidence in Canada’s food supply.
The CFIA Provides New Benchmark for Ractopamine Monitoring in Cattle
Ractopamine is an approved feed additive used to promote growth in pigs and was recently approved for use in beef cattle. The test CFIA used for ractopamine monitoring in pigs, however, presented some significant challenges when applied to cattle. The CFIA conducted a comparative evaluation of methodology and has implemented a testing regime that satisfies the regulatory requirements for ractopamine residues in cattle.
The CFIA is working with the Veterinary Drugs Directorate at Health Canada, contract laboratories, and the ractopamine manufacturer to establish a new reference method that will become the global standard.
Longueuil Lab Increases Food Colour Testing Capability
The CFIA Laboratory in Longueuil recently completed a scope extension and rationalization of its food colour methods, giving the lab the unmatched capability to identify over 200 different food colours, many of which have confusing multiple names or synonyms. This allows the CFIA to detect both the
approved colours (quantitatively at the approved limits) and the multitude of unapproved possible colourants for both fat- and water-soluble colours.
New Spectrometry Methods Expand the CFIA’s Pesticide Residues Program Capabilities
The capacity of the CFIA’s pesticide residues program grew by 50 percent in 2009 with the addition of a multiresidue high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/ mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) method. This method adds testing capabilities for 140 pesticides, in addition to the nearly 300 residues covered
The CFIA’s Dartmouth Laboratory has developed a new technique for paralytic shellfish toxin testing, which has gained international attention. Called the post-column oxidation method, the new technique is faster, more sensitive, and allows for higher throughput.
by the CFIA’s gas chromatography/ MS multi-residue method. This additional capability gives the CFIA’s pesticide monitoring program one of the broadest regulatory scopes in the world. The HPLC/MS/MS method has been validated for a variety of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables and will be transferred to accredited private sector labs for use in the CFIA’s National Chemical Residue Monitoring Program in the coming fiscal year. The CFIA plans to further expand the scope of the method to grain and pulse (legume seeds such as peas and lentils) crops in the near future, and eventually into the animal feeds program.
New Technology: Leading the World in Shellfish Toxin Testing
The CFIA is working on developing a chemical-based assay to replace the traditional mouse bioassay method (MBA) for paralytic shellfish toxins (PST) testing. A four-year CFIA study, led by the Dartmouth Laboratory, may yield a faster, non-animal-based alternative that could revolutionize PST testing in Canada and abroad. The technique, called the post-column oxidation (PCOX) method, has resulted in shorter run times and has shown potential as an alternative to both previously approved methods of analysis. The advantages of the new PCOX method are higher throughput, faster turnaround of samples, and greater sensitivity.
This initiative, which has generated interest from more than a dozen countries wishing to participate
The CFIA’s rapid response to develop a diagnostic test for CDC Triffid helped Canada’s flax producers avoid trade sanctions. More than half of all Canadian flax (above) is produced in Saskatchewan, with the remainder grown in Manitoba and Alberta.
in the pilot project, will solidify Canada as the world leader in implementing non-animal-based testing methods for monitoring of shellfish for marine biotoxins.
Innovative S&T to Ensure Canadian Plant Protection
Canada’s plant resource base includes forestry products, fruits and vegetables, grains and oilseeds, and ornamental plants. Ever-changing global trade patterns pose new challenges to Canada. These new paths have the potential to introduce unprecedented numbers of pests into the country. Regulatory programs and policies must be dynamic, science-based, and responsive to this complex situation.
The CFIA performs a wide range of scientific activities that contribute to these decisions and actions. For
example, the CFIA’s Science Branch performs risk assessments to determine whether pests, commodities, weeds, and new genetically modified crops could pose risks to Canada, and conducts surveillance programs for foreign plants, pests, and diseases that could damage Canadian agriculture and forestry. The CFIA also performs diagnostic testing to support import and export inspections and domestic control programs, and develops new tools to detect plants and pests that threaten Canadian agriculture and forestry.
The CFIA’s Rapid Response on Genetically Modified Flax Averts European Union Trade Sanctions
In September 2009, the European Commission’s Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed reported the discovery of genetically modified (GM) flax in Canadian grain exports destined for
It is estimated that invasive alien plants cost the Canadian agricultural community approximately $2.2 billion annually. The CFIA provides leadership in the implementation of a national Invasive Alien Species (IAS) strategy to prevent the establishment and spread of invasive alien plants such as jointed goatgrass ( Aegilops cylindrica). Below, a CFIA Charlottetown laboratory technician cultivates tobacco ( Nicotiana debneyi ) plants for propagation of the potato mop-top virus: the infected plants are reference material for the CFIA’s IAS testing program.
Belgium. Within a month, 11 shipments destined for the European Union were found to be contaminated, and 28 countries had reported finding the product, known as CDC Triffid, in exports, cereals, bakery products, bakery mixtures, and nut or seed products.
The CFIA’s genotyping-botany laboratory (Ottawa-Fallowfield) was mobilized to help determine the source of the contamination. The lab developed a diagnostic test specific for CDC Triffid, which enabled the rapid initiation of testing within days of the notification. Collectively, the Canadian Grain Commission, the Flax Council of Canada, the US Department of Agriculture, and the CFIA established a proficiency test for commercial seed labs to enable them to become accredited to test for CDC triffid flax to facilitate international trade of Canadian flax.
National Invasive Alien Species Strategy
The CFIA protects Canada from potentially harmful plants and plant pests by focusing on prevention through science-based regulation, surveillance, pest eradication, risk management, and public awareness. The CFIA provides leadership in implementing
Plant Protection Against Phytophagous Beetles
Scientists at CFIA’s Ottawa Plant Laboratory are conducting taxonomic research on phytophagous beetles in China, Eastern Russia, and some neighbouring countries (above), which could pose a risk to Canadian plant resources. The project involves annual fieldwork in the region to sample insects and bring them back to Ottawa where they are identified and preserved for morphological and DNA studies as voucher specimens. All three species (right) are new to science and will be described and given formal scientific names in the near future.
The Asian long-horned beetle probably arrived in Canada in wood packing materials, which are widely used to ship goods around the world. The beetle poses a significant threat to Canada’s forests and forest industries and prefers to attack some of Canada’s most popular city trees: birch, elm, hackberry, horse chestnut, maple, mountain ash, poplar, sycamore, and willow. Removing infested trees is the only effective way to eradicate the pest because there are currently no biological or chemical controls.
the national Invasive Alien Species Strategy as it relates to plant pests, such as the phytophagous (plant-eating) beetles from the Asia Pacific region.
Eleven invasive alien species established in North America, for example, belong to the beetle genus Agrilus, including the emerald ash borer, arguably the most infamous recent invasive species, responsible for unparalleled losses of ash trees. The CFIA is involved in a capacity-building program to recognize the threat that these beetles pose to Canadian plant resources. This includes building knowledge on these organisms prior to their arrival in Canada, and sampling phytophagous beetles in their native habitat for morphological and DNA analysis.
Diagnostic Tests to Prevent Sudden Oak Death
Phytophthora ramorum is a fungus-like plant pathogen that causes a disease, known as ramorum blight and leafdrop, on a wide variety of nursery plants (e.g., rhododendron, camellia). It has also been associated with a disease known as sudden oak death that was first observed in coastal California in the mid-1990s and now occurs as far north as southern Oregon.
The CFIA conducts annual surveys for P. ramorum and has in the past
Increased Efficiencies in Phytosanitary Measures to Combat Potato Cyst Nematodes
The potato cyst nematode (PCN) is a pest of concern both domestically and internationally as it has the ability to remain dormant in the soil for decades and spreads readily through contaminated soil on machinery, footwear, plants, and through soil erosion. With a confirmed presence of the pest in Quebec in 2006 and the potential that an infestation could reduce potato yields by up to 80 percent, the Science Branch increased its testing capacity and participated in the bilateral negotiations that led to the revision of the Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) Guidelines in June 2009.
The Guidelines describe the national surveys for PCN in both Canada and the US and now require increased soil sampling and testing from all fields where seed potatoes are produced for trade between the two countries. The guidelines also outline the measures that should be taken to manage PCN detection and contain procedures for the subsequent removal of restrictions on land. Science Branch personnel continue to provide ongoing science advice and support to the CFIA Plant Health and Biosecurity Directorate on the potato cyst nematode issue.
detected the presence of the organism on plants in a number of nurseries in the southern coastal area of British Columbia. Detection, however, is difficult as the organism is microscopic and symptoms of P. ramorum resemble those of other plant pathogens. The species also has three lineages, as CFIA researchers recently discovered, with varying origins and levels of
The female potato cyst nematode develops into a spherical shaped cyst in the later stage of her life cycle. The female then dies and her cuticle forms a tough protective cyst containing 200–500 embryonated eggs. The eggs inside the cysts can remain dormant in soil for years. Above, a ruptured PCN cyst releases eggs and eelshaped juveniles.
pathogenicity. The same study, which was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the Puyallup Research and Extension Center at Washington State University, the Canadian Forest Service’s Pacific Forestry Centre, and the Horticultural Crops Research Laboratory at the US Agricultural Research Service, developed molecular tests to differentiate among the three lines.
In February, the Plant Health Risk Assessment Unit hosted a workshop to explore the concept of beginning an enhancement project for North American plant health risk analysis. The project will build on the European PRATIQUE (Enhancements of Pest Risk Analysis Techniques) project and work toward improving approaches to plant health risk assessment in Canada, the US, and Mexico.
The CFIA’s Plant Health Risk Assessment Unit also recently prepared a comprehensive assessment of the phytosanitary risks posed by P. ramorum to Canada. This Pest Risk Assessment included information from hundreds of scientific papers and posters as well as expert opinions and unpublished results from over a dozen researchers from North America and Europe. The document was finalized following peer review by a panel of national and international experts and has since been used by the CFIA as a basis for effective regulation of this pest.
Better Diagnostics to Detect Animal Health Threats
Animal diseases can threaten the health of Canadians and can lead to multi-million-dollar losses for the livestock industry. Part of the work of
the CFIA is to prevent the introduction and spread of animal diseases in Canada and to monitor, control, or eradicate such diseases as required.
The CFIA has many scientific activities that support Canada’s animal resource base. These include conducting research to better understand diseases of concern to Canada; developing surveys to detect known and emerging diseases; performing research and providing advice on adopting stateof-the-art technology by Canadian laboratories; assessing risks associated with key animal diseases for disease control and import/export; and performing diagnostic tests to quickly and reliably detect disease.
The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN)
The Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) is a network of
federal, provincial, and university animal health diagnostic laboratories which has significantly improved the national capacity to detect emerging animal disease threats in real time. The CAHSN focuses particularly on those animal disease threats that could have zoonotic potential (diseases that can be transmitted to humans from animals) and provides a rapid response to minimize human health and economic risks to Canada.
The network is centred around the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD), and is linked to the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network (CPHLN), which gives CAHSN the ability to combine surveillance data received from many sources and simultaneously alerts both human and animal health authorities in other jurisdictions within Canada when potential animal disease threats are identified.
The CFIA and PHAC share a state-of-the art facility in Winnipeg, which houses the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (above). It is also a hub of the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network and the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network.
The key outputs of the CAHSN are a national early warning system for animal disease threats to the food continuum or public health; a federal-provincial laboratory network for the rapid diagnosis of serious infectious animal diseases; and an information-sharing network linking federal and provincial agencies and departments responsible for animal and human health.
World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)
A number of CFIA animal health laboratories have been designated as international reference laboratories by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). The Lethbridge Laboratory is an OIE Reference Laboratory for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), anthrax, and bovine viral diarrhea; the Ottawa Laboratory–Fallowfield is an OIE Reference Laboratory for rabies, brucellosis, scrapie, and chronic wasting disease; the Winnipeg Laboratory is an OIE Reference Laboratory for avian influenza and classical swine fever; and the Saskatoon laboratory is an OIE Reference Laboratory for trichinellosis, as well as an OIE Collaborating Centre for Food-Borne Zoonotic Parasites.
A lab designated as a Reference Laboratory by the OIE functions as a centre of expertise and standardization for a particular disease or topic, develops new procedures for its diagnosis and control, provides scientific and technical training for scientific personnel from other OIE member countries, coordinates scientific and
technical research, in collaboration with other labs, and provides diagnostic testing and surge capacity to other countries, among other functions.
This recognition by the world’s preeminent animal health organization highlights Canada’s role as a leading contributor to international science in the management and eradication of animal diseases. It is a tribute to the expertise and commitment to excellence of the individuals working in these laboratories to protect animal health and maintain the safety of Canada’s food continuum.
H1N1: CFIA’s Rapid Response and Exemplary Management in the Face of a Crisis
When an influenza-like illness was reported in a swine herd in Alberta in April 2009, no test existed to confirm whether the pigs had the pandemic H1N1 flu virus. Within days of receiving samples, CFIA scientists at NCFAD in Winnipeg quickly confirmed the presence of pandemic H1N1 flu virus in the pigs.
In a few weeks, the new techniques were transferred to the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (provincial and university laboratories) to enhance the detection capacity across the country. Working closely with colleagues from the Public Health Agency of Canada, CFIA scientists decoded the genetic makeup of the virus and provided this information to the international scientific
When H1N1 was suspected in a swine herd in Alberta in 2009, the CFIA quickly confirmed the virus (above) and transferred new detection techniques to provincial and university veterinary diagnostic laboratories across the country.
community to facilitate and improve their diagnostic work and research.
Canada and, more specifically, the CFIA, played a significant role in developing international policies and procedures for managing the virus in pigs. Engaging national and international scientific networks, sharing research and test methods, and immediately communicating research results were vital to demonstrating that Canada can effectively respond to animal disease situations.
Supporting Innovative Research, Development, and Partnerships
The CFIA leverages its science capacity and capability through collaborative science partnerships with other science-based departments and agencies, provincial and territorial governments, industry, and academia.
Food Safety–Best Practices
Food safety science is complex and the CFIA works tirelessly to stay abreast of new technology, processes, and practices. Essential to this effort is developing strong working relationships with universities and federal and provincial departments and agencies (national and international). These relationships help to develop science and innovation (test methods), translate knowledge into useful applications, and develop regulations to protect Canadians.
Collaborative Verotoxigenic Escherichia coli Research Will Save Human Lives
Infection with verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC), which includes E. coli O157:H7, can cause a range of reactions from uncomplicated diarrhea to severe haemorrhagic colitis and life-threatening haemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Beef products have been historically associated with VTEC outbreaks, although other commodities such as fresh produce have also been implicated.
A joint pilot project between Health Canada, CFIA, PHAC, and AAFC was initiated in the fall of 2006 to address critical knowledge gaps related to VTEC and food production and to work together to develop solutions to detect VTEC across the whole supply chain, from the farmer to the consumer. Each department brings a unique expertise and perspective (e.g., PHAC is interested in public health and epidemiology). To date, work has been completed toward a cohesive method to detect key VTEC
strains in foods. Researchers hope that a similar model can be used for other emerging issues (e.g., listeriosis).
CFIA and Health Canada Work Together Toward New Allergen Regulations
Several years ago, Health Canada and CFIA recognized the need for a forum of open discussion among food laboratories involved in allergen testing and they jointly established
As part of CFIA’s environmental monitoring program, swabs (above) are analysed for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria. Bacterial isolates from positive samples are further characterized by molecular typing (inset).
Soy (right) just like nuts, may be allergenic. It can be an undeclared ingredient in many processed foods, including canned tuna, beverage mixes, and baked goods. The CFIA recently validated a new method to detect soy and walnuts in food.
the Allergen Methods Committee (AMC) to provide direction and better coordination in the development, delivery, and advancement of allergen testing and research programs. The AMC formalizes guidelines and performance criteria for allergen methods, and develops designated reference materials and standards to be used as common ground for method evaluation and implementation in Health Canada and CFIA laboratories.
More recently, the CFIA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Health Canada to ensure that Canada is prepared for the revised Allergen Regulations expected to come into effect in March 2012. The CFIA’s Science Branch is responsible for developing, validating, and implementing new analytical methodologies and has made significant progress validating a new method for allergen testing of soy proteins at its laboratories in Longueuil and Burnaby. The test kits will be used by the CFIA, as well as private sector labs, or companies that have their own allergen control programs. The CFIA also recently developed a test kit for walnuts and is in the process of updating or developing and delivering guidance documents (e.g., updates to the “Guide to Food Labelling and Advertising,” and the
CFIA and Laboratory Accreditation
In addition to the CFIA’s 14 testing facilities that are accredited to ISO 17025, there are a number of private laboratories in Canada that may be called upon to conduct tests for CFIA or other clients to meet regulatory requirements. The CFIA has a number of programs to oversee technically competent external laboratories and works in conjunction with recognized accrediting bodies (e.g., Standards Council of Canada [SCC]) wherever possible. The SCC incorporates specific CFIA requirements into its assessments while the Science Branch supports the program and provides trained, qualified technical assessors from CFIA laboratories to assess non-CFIA labs. This arrangement covers more than 70 laboratories: the majority conduct food, feed, and fertilizer testing, but several labs are accredited for plant and animal health tests.
In some instances, the CFIA is the accrediting body. For example, through an arrangement with the Canadian Seed Institute (CSI), the CFIA’s Saskatoon Laboratory Seed Science and Technology Section accredits seed testing laboratories, while the CSI conducts the follow-up audits. In other instances, the CFIA provides an approval program for laboratories that carry out certain animal and plant health tests. Examples of these approval programs include a program for selected potato disease tests that is delivered by the CFIA’s Charlottetown Plant Health Laboratory, and programs for labs providing certain animal health tests that are delivered by the CFIA’s Ottawa-Fallowfield and St. Hyacinthe laboratories.
allergen risk concerns in the reference database for hazard identification) to assist industry with compliance.
Supporting Higher Education Opportunities in Food Safety Research
In 2009, the CFIA partnered with McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario to support two post-graduate researchers—a Masters student studying the mechanism by which Listeria monocytogenes is able to form biofilms, and a PhD student working on the development of a diagnostic test to detect food-borne pathogens in a manufacturing environment. The partnership with McMaster will provide the CFIA with valuable knowledge on the production and possible control of biofilms, as well as more sensitive and rapid detection methods for pathogens such as Listeria.
Collaborative Projects and Partnerships for Plant Protection
The CFIA works with several partners in universities, colleges, and governments in Canada and abroad on plant protection initiatives and provides leadership for implementation of the national invasive alien species (IAS) strategy to manage non-native plants and plant pests. The strategy aims to protect Canada from potentially harmful plants and plant pests through science-based regulation, surveillance, pest eradication, risk management, and public awareness.
The CFIA conducts surveys with provincial, national, and international partners to test trapping techniques (top) and to monitor for potentially devastating invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer (above left) and the Asian gypsy moth (above right).
Gypsy Moth Researchers Collaborate to Develop New Survey Detection Tools
The Asian gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar), pink gypsy moth (L. mathura) and nun moth (L. monacha) are destructive forest pests native to Asia that can hitchhike on international vessels and marine transport containers. Methods to effectively detect these foreign pests are crucial for prevention and eradication. Through funding provided by the CFIA Plant Health Surveillance Unit, scientists at Simon Fraser University conducted studies that examined the semiochemical ecology of the moths, as well as their physiological attraction to port lights. They also improved synthetic pathways for production of L. mathura pheromone and provided CFIA with enough chemical to implement more effective pheromonebased trapping surveys across Canada. This work will help in multi-lateral efforts to design better port monitoring systems in Asia, and to decrease the likelihood of these moths laying their eggs on vessels and containers.
Sirex Woodwasp Surveys in Ontario and Quebec
The CFIA Plant Health Surveillance Unit and Operations Branch, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, recently conducted extensive detection surveys for the Sirex woodwasp (Sirex noctilio). Native to Eurasia, this species was detected in
the northeastern United States in 2004 and has caused extensive damage to pine plantations after its introduction into the southern hemisphere. The surveys were based on technical recommendations of scientists in the Canadian Forest Service and allowed CFIA to tap into the wealth of forest health field expertise in the provincial ministries of natural resources. The surveys, which are ongoing, help gather valuable distribution information and support regulatory policy development.
International Study Investigates Effectiveness of Canadian Trapping Techniques
National surveys for the European spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus)—one of the most destructive spruce pests in Europe—and other exotic forest pests have been conducted by the CFIA since 1998. The CFIA’s Plant Health Surveillance Unit recently collaborated with Slovakia’s National Forest Centre on field trials to evaluate the attractiveness of Canadian trapping systems to the bark beetles in their native European environment. As the target pests are not yet present in North America, these studies are not possible in Canada and offshore scientific collaborations such as this are essential to fully evaluate our detection methodology. Data from this trial will assist in refining Canadian survey protocols and increase the likelihood of detecting I. typographus and other regulated forest pests.
Invasive Alien Species Training for Field Staff
Every year, CFIA surveillance biosecurity biologists provide IAS training for inspectors within the Agency as well as partners across the country to aid in the early detection of quarantine pests. The training includes class and field sessions on pest biology (e.g., plant, animal) and surveillance techniques for potential invasive species in each region.
Emerald Ash Borer Biosurveillance
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a very difficult pest to detect because infestations usually begin in the upper tree canopy. Traditional pest detection methods, including the use of ground or visual surveys and sticky traps, are costly, labour-intensive, and at times destructive or impractical. The Plant Health Surveillance Unit and the Entomology Unit of the Ontario Plant Labs supported a series of studies to determine whether Cerceris fumipennis (a solitary wasp species that preys on buprestid beetles) could be used to detect the presence of EAB. Results from the studies, which were undertaken in collaboration with a former graduate student at the University of Guelph, the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Forest Service, revealed that natural colonies of the wasp can detect EAB, and that mobile wasp colonies are more sensitive than current detection tools. The research culminated in the publication of a C. fumipennis guidebook for use by provincial governments, municipalities, and other organizations
With funding from Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science, the CFIA and several project partners have been investigating the most effective methods to biocontain and safely dispose of infectious animal carcasses, such as the chickens that had to be culled and disposed of when low pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 was detected on a commercial farm in British Columbia in 2009.
interested in adopting this methodology. Studies are ongoing to optimize the technique and evaluate operational feasibility as a tool for detection surveys.
Leveraging Best Science to Improve Animal Health
CFIA scientists partner with universities, federal and provincial government departments, and private sector researchers to improve Canada’s early warning system and diagnostic capability for animal and zoonotic diseases.
Bridging the Gap Between Animal and Human Disease
Recognizing the need to coordinate a joint response to animal and human health surveillance, issues, and possible threats, the CFIA and the Public Health Agency of Canada work together on multiple fronts. Researchers collaborate on a daily basis, whether to solicit or provide science advice or share
laboratory testing capabilities (e.g., PHAC’s National Microbiology Laboratory produces the antigen used for diagnostic assays for Eastern and Western equine encephalitis). Numerous joint projects are underway, such as a collaborative study to determine whether pigs are susceptible to highly virulent forms of Ebola. Another important collaboration, funded by a grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), is comparing the effectiveness of commercial conventional vaccines against the H5N1 influenza virus.
In response to the Auditor General’s recommendations in May 2008, the CFIA and PHAC have also established several joint working groups—risk assessment, surveillance and information sharing, and science and research—to propose and implement solutions toward greater collaboration on zoonotic diseases. Several positive advances in prevention and preparedness have already occurred as a result. These
include an integrated risk assessment for pandemic H1N1 infection in people and swine, and a zoonotic alert module for use by the Canadian Network for Public Health Intelligence.
CFIA Partnerships for Public Safety and Security
The CFIA has been involved in several projects funded by the Chemical, Biological, Radiological-Nuclear and Explosives Research and Technology Initiative (CRTI) (e.g., CAHSN, Animal Health Foresight), which is one of the programs managed by Defence Research and Development Canada’s Centre for Security Science. For example, in partnership with PHAC, the University of Calgary, US Department of Agriculture, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the CFIA is working to extend existing human diagnostic capability and to develop veterinary diagnostic capability for Rift Valley fever in North America.
Other CRTI-funded initiatives include:
• Developing Portable Electronic Microarrays for Agrobioterrorism: Led by the CFIA in partnership with industry and the United Kingdom’s Institute for Animal Health, this project will provide assays for bovine and avian diseases that can have serious consequences (e.g., foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and Newcastle disease) using an automated, portable, integrated instrument.
In April 2009, the CFIA and the Atlantic Veterinary College announced a $1.2 million partnership to enhance animal health expertise in regulatory veterinary epidemiology in Canada. The new Canadian Regulatory Veterinary Epidemiology Network (CRVE-Net) links Canada’s five veterinary schools with federal and provincial agencies.
Under this initiative, a Research Chair in Regulatory Veterinary Epidemiology at the Atlantic Veterinary College (located at the University of Prince Edward Island) has been established to support epidemiological surveillance, risk analysis, and disease modelling. This partnership between the CFIA and the Atlantic Veterinary College has created new synergies and has helped to attract further investments (e.g., OMAFRA, PHAC), as well as to provide excellent training opportunities for veterinarians and students.
This network will further strengthen Canada’s ability to understand and respond to emerging animal health and zoonotic disease challenges by developing advanced veterinary expertise in specialized areas.
• On-site Composting for Biocontainment and Safe Disposal of Infectious Animal Carcasses and Manure: Led by the CFIA in collaboration with AAFC, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, and Iowa State University, this project investigated composting methods that could be efficiently applied on farms to ensure biocontainment and inactivation of viruses during the degradation of contaminated carcasses and manure from infected animals.
NCFAD Assists Colombian Veterinary Laboratory in Avian Influenza and Newcastle Disease Surveillance
NCFAD is working with the National Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Bogota, Colombia, to implement laboratory diagnostic methods for the surveillance, identification, and characterization of avian influenza and Newcastle disease viruses in Colombia. Workshops and hands-on training, including diagnostic test methods, test Canadian Regulatory Veterinary Epidemiology Network
result evaluation, trouble-shooting, and quality assurance, will form the basis of the three-year twinning project.
Foreign Animal Disease Recognition Training
Each year, the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease (NCFAD) hosts a seven-day foreign animal disease (FAD) recognition course, which is designed to assist front-line veterinarians who may be faced with making critical decisions at the site of origin of a potential FAD outbreak. Participants attend presentations from NCFAD, PHAC, veterinary college faculty, provincial veterinary laboratory staff, and several internationally recognized experts, followed by an afternoon of clinical rounds and diagnostic training. The diseases presented at this year’s course included highly pathogenic avian influenza, viscerotropic and neurotropic velogenic Newcastle disease in chickens, African swine fever and classical swine fever in pigs, capripox in sheep and foot-and-mouth disease in cattle, sheep, and pigs.
Canada’s ability to respond to and mitigate an animal disease outbreak depends on the CFIA working with practicing veterinarians, provincial and university diagnostic laboratories, and other federal government departments.
Communicating Our Science
Activities that communicate our science outcomes to the scientific community, public, industry, and other stakeholders.
Awards and Recognition
Entomological Society of America Editor’s Choice Award
In October 2009, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) presented Editor’s Choice Awards for the best articles in 2008 from each of the ESA journals and from American Entomologist. CFIA research scientist Dr. Marie-José Côté and her colleagues M. A. Keena, P. S. Grinberg, and W. E. Wallner were awarded the distinction of “Best” in Environmental Entomology, for their article “World Distribution of Female Flight and Genetic Variation in Lymantria dispar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae).”
Editor-in-Chief E. Alan Cameron said of the article’s significance, “[Côté] and colleagues have undertaken a worldwide examination of different strains of [gypsy moths from Asia] in an attempt to determine the flight propensity of each strain. This work was already used in successful negotiations with China and Korea to include them in the Far East Lymantria Port Monitoring Project, which alerts us when outbreaks are occurring in the Far East so extra measures can be taken to prevent introductions.”
2010 President’s Awards
The President’s National Award is given to individuals or teams who demonstrate exceptional service delivery, innovation and best practices, leadership, and interbranch partnerships for activities carried out day-to-day and during emergencies. In 2010, members of the Science Branch received the following awards:
• The potato cyst nematode (PCN) Diagnostic Program Team, which includes Steve Wood, Angelika West, Toni-Lynn DeHaan, Harvinder S. Bennypaul, Fencheng Sun, Sylvia Miller and Paula Esber, received the President’s Award for Exceptional Service Delivery. In 2009, the increased efficiencies, testing strategies, and analytical skills that the members of the PCN diagnostic program team developed for PCN testing were put to the test. The PCN diagnostic program not only efficiently and effectively provided PCN analysis for an approximately five-fold increase in the rate for survey sampling, it also met the new demand for analysis related to deregulation efforts for non-infested fields in Alberta.
CFIA President Carole Swan presents Dr. Joe Boison with the 2010 President’s Award for Leadership Excellence.
• Dr. Joe O. Boison (Saskatoon Laboratory) received the President’s Award for Leadership Excellence.
Over the past seven years, Dr. Boison’s expertise in international policies for veterinary drug residues has allowed his technicians to develop multi-residue methods for testing over 100 banned veterinary drugs in meat and meat products.
Dr. Boison has received international recognition and is the scientific editor for the Journal of Association
of Analytical Communities (AOAC). Dr. Boison has been invited to speak at international conferences and is an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan. In addition to his scientific achievements, Dr. Boison was recognized for possessing the leadership, research philosophy, and management skills that exemplify excellence.
• The Marine Biotoxin Test Development Team, which includes Jeffrey M. Van de Riet, Wade A. Rourke, Ryan S. Gibbs, Cory Murphy, Patricia Muggah, and Faith W. Chou, received the President’s Award for Innovation and Best Practices. The team from the CFIA Dartmouth
Laboratory, in collaboration with the National Research Council Institute of Marine Bioscience, validated a non-animal based chemical method for determining toxicity in shellfish caused by paralytic shellfish toxins (PST). Determining the level of toxicity has been a longstanding problem, since PST is caused by a range of similar toxins that have a wide range of toxicity. Known as post-column oxidation (PCOX), the team’s method of analysis not only detects and quantifies the presence of the toxins, but predicts the level of toxicity as well. An extensive international study is underway that will eventually lead to global regulatory acceptance of the method.
Recent CFIA Publications: Working with key collaborators, the CFIA issued a brochure to assist in early identification of emerald ash borer (above left). The CFIA also issued Identifying Land Snails and Slugs in Canada, (above right in French), a thorough review that includes how to collect, identify, and catalogue land snails and slugs.
Publications
The CFIA’s scientific accomplishments in 2009–2010 were published in books, journals, websites, and in news releases. A sampling of some of those publications includes:
• Analytica Chimica Acta
• Analytical Biochemistry
• Biocontrol Science and Technology
• Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research
• Canadian Veterinary Journal
• Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology
• Compendium of Analytical Methods
• Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
• Journal of Food Protection
• Journal of General Virology
• Journal of Immunoassay and Immunochemistry
• Journal of Liquid Chromatography and Related Technologies
• Journal of Veterinary Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Journal of Virology
• Journal of Wildlife Diseases
• Plant Disease
• Scientific and Technical Review (OIE)
• The Canadian Entomologist
• Vaccine
• Veterinary Parasitology