The Government of Alberta has invested $9 million over three years in the University of Calgary's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) for the essential Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU), the only laboratory in Alberta offering routine in-province livestock diagnostics.
Receiving this critical funding would not have been possible without support from the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) and livestock industries.
"We could not be more excited or grateful for the investment," said Dr. Jennifer Davies, director of the DSU at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. "This investment will allow the DSU to increase its support to meet the growing needs of Alberta veterinarians. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of diagnostic services to protect our livestock industry and, by extension, rural communities and the economy."
Speakers included, from left: Dr. Renate Weller, dean of UCVM; Hon. RJ Sigurdson; Dr. Teryn Girard, production animal veterinarian with Prairie Livestock Veterinarians; and Dr. Sandra Davidson, UCalgary provost and VP (academic).
Safeguarding food safety and rural economies
The DSU is crucial in safeguarding against animal diseases that threaten food safety, public health, and the sustainability of the livestock industry, which are integral to the economic well-being of rural communities. Animal diseases can severely impact economies by blocking market access and reducing consumer confidence.
Dr. Renate Weller, dean of UCVM, emphasized the economic impact: "Securing this funding is not just about increasing services essential for animal health; it's about investing in Alberta's economic future. By enhancing our diagnostic capabilities, we can reduce reliance on out-of-province testing and keep valuable resources within Alberta."
The DSU plays a critical role in protecting against zoonotic (animal-to-human) diseases, food security, and economic stability in Alberta. It will continue to provide and grow comprehensive livestock diagnostics, including necropsy, histopathology, and bacteriology, as well as serology, parasitology, and molecular services.
Community support for DSU
"Congratulations to the DSU," said Dr. Serge Chalhoub, president of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. "The ABVMA is a proud partner of the DSU, and this funding will allow incredibly important work to continue, support veterinary professionals, and promote further growth within the province's veterinary community."
RJ Sigurdson, the Government of Alberta's minister of agriculture and irrigation, said, "The DSU strengthens our province and helps advance animal and human health."
The DSU plans to continue to leverage partnerships and wants to further recognize all the support received by the ABVMA, livestock industry, individual veterinarians and producers that use the lab. This appreciable investment would not have been possible without these key community entities.
