Mr. Speaker, many of the things that the member has suggested have already been done and are being done by the authorities.
Canada has enhanced our import control measures for poultry and poultry products and has established a national avian influenza surveillance program for domestic birds and wild birds. Before birds can be imported into Canada, they are first isolated and tested in the exporting country. If they are found to be disease-free and safe to import, the birds undergo quarantine and a second round of testing in Canada.
To counter the possibility of avian influenza entering Canada through illegally smuggled birds, Canada conducts enhanced inspections of passengers and goods from countries in which highly pathogenic avian influenza is known to exist.
The CFIA monitors international developments and ensures policies and strategies reflect the most up-to-date science. It also coordinates with other federal government departments, provincial governments and industry, which have roles and responsibilities in preventing, detecting or responding to avian influenza.
In summary, effective plans are in place.