Manitoba to Review Livestock Veterinarian Services

Feb. 21, 2008, Winnipeg —  A task force will begin reviewing all facets of
veterinary services in Manitoba. Agriculture Minister Rosann Wowchuk says the responsibilities of
veterinarians are changing.

She says they now do surveillance for the potential threat of foreign animal diseases that could have serious consequences for Manitoba's wild animals and the province's livestock industry.

Wowchuk says as the services required from veterinarians expand, it's important that Manitoba's farms have timely access to veterinary medical care for their livestock.

She says the government will to review what services are needed and how they can be made available.

The task force is chaired by livestock producer Ron Kostyshyn and includes veterinarian Dr. Paul Schneider and private citizen Neil Hathaway.