A report released earlier this week says Manitoba isn’t prepared for an outbreak of animal diseases.
Auditor General Tyson Shtykalo says some steps have been taken by the province to prevent animal disease emergencies, but more work needs to be done.
The audit found the province has a list of 36 potential diseases, both known and emerging, that are of higher risk for the province, but there weren’t any preparedness plans for most of them.
In addition, there wasn’t any documented rationale for prioritizing the diseases.
An animal disease emergency has the potential to threaten the health of Manitobans and could have significant consequences for the economy.
Shtykalo says even a rumour of a disease outbreak could crash the price of livestock in the province.
Agriculture Minister Blaine Pedersen says the province is working on the report's recommendations.
