Over 75 state and provincial veterinarians, federal government veterinarians, animal health representatives, industry representatives, legislators and elected officials from both Canada and the United States attend this important meeting. The 2011 CBLHC will be held, July 21-22, 2011 in Portland Oregon.
This two day conference will provide delegates with the opportunity to enhance cross border cooperation on animal health issues:
o Enhance relationships and build networks between US state and Canadian provincial jurisdictions;
o Exchange information on animal health issues/concerns;
o Develop a common understanding of disease policies;
o Exchange information on emergency response to emerging and foreign animal disease; and
o Advance Canadian and American animal health interests; and
o Identify and execute action items to collectively address animal health and cross border issues
The 2011 conference will focus on the impact of a hypothetical Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak in our region. Participants will discuss preparedness, response and recovery using a scenario driven workshop format.
Potential areas to explore
- Movement Controls
- Information sharing
- Real-time situational awareness
- Decision making (who’s in charge?)
- Zoning & regionalization
- Vaccination
- Bio-security
- Impact on industry
- Impact on regional economy
- Prevention
- Border Services
- Public information and media
Follow up with event participants will continue after the event as the action items identified at the conference are addressed over the following year. Progress on the action items will be communication to the conference participants through email and postings on the CBLHC website. Conference Action Items will be presented to the PNWER Executive Board, which is comprised of state and provincial legislators from around the region. These action items will also be presented to federal leadership in Washington DC and Ottawa to further advance regional animal health concerns. The CBLHC website will be maintained and used as a communication tool to share information with past and future conference participants. PNWER will also collaborate with the CBLHC Action Item Team to indentify how the organization and Legislators can advocate on behalf of the group.
