September's Meeting

[Claudia]

VAHS September Meeting

September 14, 2011 at 7:15 PM

Place: Vancouver Aquarium Marilyn Blusson Learning Centre

Speaker: Dr. Andrea Osbourne, Dr. Ray Fletcher

Topic: As some of you are aware, the Canada Food Inspection Agency is now responsible for regulating fish imports into Canada. There are some changes that will take effect at the end of this year that will make some changes on how you can import fish. This will effect the hobbyist that buys a fish in Seattle and brings it back across the border as well as those that commercially import fish. We will have two speakers at the September 14 meeting to explain the changes and how they will effect the hobby. They will also answer any questions so it will be a very informative meeting.

Dr. Osbourne will discuss the background and drivers for the NAAHP and provide a summary of the program elements: domestic disease control, import/export, surveillance and risk assessment, for each element she will outline the implications on stakeholders.

Dr. Ray Fletcher will outline the specifics of the NAAHP import program and the process of applying for a
permit.

Dr. Osbourne has a BSc in Marine Biology and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. She has had a number of different jobs since graduating from veterinary
school: working at the New England Aquarium in Boston, in small animal private practice in Victoria, for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Enhancement Hatcheries based out of Nanaimo, for the Province of British Columbia in the regulation of the Aquaculture Industry and for the last 5 years for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. her current role is as an Aquatic Veterinary Specialist for Imports and Exports.

Dr. Ray Fletcher graduated in Veterinary Medicine, from University of Queensland in Australia. He owned and operated mixed animal veterinary practices for 25 years in
both Australia and The Pas Manitoba. Dr Fletcher joined the CFIA in 2000 and has worked in meat hygiene and nnimal health Programs in Western Canada. He was fortunate to join the Aquatic Animal Health team, and bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the new Program.

In addition to the speaker we will also provide a Question & Answer period, raffle, door prize draw and our usual mini-auction. Visitors welcome.

[CRS Fan]

I'll be there.... as long as my Limo picks me up !

Best regards,

Stuart

[thharris]

For the mini auction I know we shouldnt bring equipement, but is it ok to bring plants or wood with plants on it?

[CRS Fan]

For the mini auction I know we shouldnt bring equipement, but is it ok to bring plants or wood with plants on it?

Absolutely you can bring plants and driftwood.

Best regards,

Stuart

[Mykiss]

If anyone wants anything from CanadianAquatics, please let me or Charles know. We'll both be there (or at least I will anyways but can also bring Charles stuff too)

[charles]

I will be there as well. I am also bringing fish there...
So let me know what you want from me...

[charles]

see you all in the meeting tonight.