02/18 ~ Zoo Devoted to Protecting Animal Health

Greater Vancouver Zoo – PRESS RELEASE

Date: February 18, 2011   
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ZOO DEVOTED TO PROTECTING ANIMAL HEALTH                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Aldergrove – The Greater Vancouver Zoo is dedicated to creating an educational environment that inspires appreciation and concern about wildlife and their well being. We have over 600 different animals and 135 species on 120 acres in the beautiful Fraser Valley, and are committed to protecting the animals’ welfare and future viability. 

Most recently concerns have been raised with respect to travelers returning from countries that are affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks in Asia and Europe. 

The Canadian Food and Inspection Agency (CFIA) maintains a list of all countries officially recognized by Canada as being free of FMD on its website, at: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/recotab/fmdfae.shtml. In addition, the CFIA provides information on the precautions travelers should take when returning to Canada from FMD-affected countries: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/anima/disemala/fmdfa/questionse.shtm...

Any person who has been in a country where FMD has been detected should avoid going to a zoo or farm for 14 days. If access is absolutely required, this period may be reduced to a minimum of five days, following extensive personal disinfection. 

"An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease would have devastating impacts on animal health and the economy,” said Dr. Brian Evans, Chief Veterinary Officer and Chief Food Safety Officer for Canada. "We encourage the public to do their part to keep animals healthy by respecting the animal health measures in place at zoos and on farms, and by taking proper precautions when returning home from FMD-affected countries."

We strongly encourage anyone that has questions and/or concerns about their recent travel experiences to contact either the CFIA, and/or the Greater Vancouver Zoo before visiting the zoo. The Greater Vancouver Zoo is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for all the animals and our guests.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe, highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep and swine. It also affects goats, deer, bison and other cloven-hoofed domestic and wild ruminants.  An outbreak can spread by direct, indirect and airborne transmission.   

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Media Contact:                   

Jody Henderson                       
Marketing & Communications Manager               
Phone:  604.856.6825 x 33                   
Email:  jhenderson@gvzoo.com               

To learn more about the good things we do at the Zoo visit us at:  www.gvzoo.com or better yet come visit us in person!

Since 1970….dedicated to conservation, preservation & protection of endangered species!

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is an accredited zoo within the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA), which is a non-profit organization established to promote the welfare of animals and encourage the advancement of education, conservation and science.