Advising the British Columbia Ministry of Environment on the risk of Zoonotic Disease Transfer as it relates to the Controlled Alien Species Regulations 598 Policy Report Candidate: Dr. Jane Vermeulen Supervisor: Dr. Rebecca Warburton Second Reader: Dr. Richard Marcy Chair: Dr. Lindsay Tedds Client: Jen Smith, British Columbia Ministry of Environment Defence Date: April 13, 2010 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Objective In the past decade, we have seen diseases such as Avian Influenza, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and “Swine Influenza” significantly impact public health and cause global panic. These diseases are classified as zoonoses and represent the newest trends in emerging diseases. Zoonotic diseases are bacterial, viral or parasitic pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Government agencies have recognized the influence of zoonotic diseases and have responded through updated regulations on the importation of animals. The purpose of this report is to address the regulatory status of the BC Wildlife Act as it pertains to animal species artificially introduced into British Columbia (“alien species”). In May 2008, new legislation was added to the Wildlife Act enabling the BC Minister of Environment to manage alien species according to the amount of risk they pose to human safety, wildlife and wildlife habitat. These species are called Controlled Alien Species (CAS) and owners must apply for a permit to possess these species in British Columbia. The majority of mammalian species on the list were included in recognition of the physical trauma they can inflict on humans. The CAS list was developed through assistance with several stakeholders within the animal welfare community, the veterinary field and pet industry. The goal of the Ministry is to further develop regulations that consider the risk of disease transmission between mammals and humans. The Ministry is interested in classifying zoonoses according to their potential to cause significant morbidity or mortality to humans. The goal is to minimize zoonotic disease transmission to individual pet owners/handlers and the general population. Alien species that carry the potential to transmit a significant zoonotic disease may be placed on the Controlled Alien Species list. Summary of Methods The current policies regulating non‐native species in British Columbia will be reviewed with a brief history of the Wildlife Act. The presence of non‐native species in North America will be assessed with a focus on their impact on public health and other industries. As zoonoses are not unique to British Columbia or Canada; the international and federal policies that regulate the import of non‐native species into British Columbia will be examined. International agreements and federal agencies regulating animal trade and importation into Canada will also be reviewed. 2 The key stakeholders who have participated in the current regulations of Controlled Alien Species will be examined. Groups such as the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council of Canada and the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals have partnered with the Ministry of Environment and their recommendations formed the foundation for the current CAS regulations. The impact of amending the CAS list to include species with potential zoonotic risks will also be considered. The report will include a comparison and overview of animal import and trade regulations present in other jurisdictions, including our “neighbors” such as Washington State and Alberta. The regulations are varied and can range from completely prohibiting a non‐native animal from entering to absolutely no regulation. A focus on regulations that recognize zoonoses will also be incorporated. A classification system will be developed to assist the Ministry of Environment to determine which animals should be placed on the Controlled Alien Species list. The report will conclude with recommendations for the BC Ministry of Environment as they update their regulation of Controlled Alien Species. The report will conclude with areas of further research for the Ministry of Environment to consider. Recommendations Based on the review of zoonotic diseases that may significantly impact public health and existing regulations, the report makes several recommendations to the BC Ministry of Environment. Recommendation 1: Prohibit the importation, trade and possession of species that are considered at risk for transmitting zoonotic diseases listed as “high risk” to humans. Recommendation 2: Use the Controlled Alien Species regulation to support existing federal regulations restricting the importation of non‐human primates. Recommendation 3: Enforce Controlled Alien Species Regulations as outlined in the Wildlife Act Review. Recommendation 4: Consult with key stakeholders such as veterinary epidemiologists to develop guidelines and recommendations for applicants seeking permits for species that are listed on Controlled Alien Species regulation based on the risk of zoonotic disease. 3 Table of Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................................2 Objective...................................................................................................................................................................2 Summary of Methods............................................................................................................................................2 Recommendations ................................................................................................................................................3 TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................................................4 LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................................6 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................7 THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE CONTROLLED ALIEN SPECIES REGULATION....................9 Fines and penalties ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Response to the Controlled Alien Species regulation............................................................................. 11 INTERNATIONAL AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND POLICY .......................................12 The Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) .................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Canadian Food Inspection Agency ................................................................................................................ 12 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF NON‐NATIVE SPECIES...............................................................14 The Presence of Non­Native Species ............................................................................................................ 14 Significance of zoonotic disease .................................................................................................................... 15 The Cost of zoonotic Disease........................................................................................................................... 16 KEY STAKEHOLDERS....................................................................................................17 Pet Industry.......................................................................................................................................................... 17 British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals ................................................... 19 Veterinary Profession....................................................................................................................................... 20 Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums.......................................................................................... 22 4 Impact of Updated Regulation on Key Stakeholders .............................................................................. 23 EXAMPLES OF REGULATIONS IN OTHER REGIONS .......................................................24 United States of America.................................................................................................................................. 24 Washington State................................................................................................................................................ 25 Alberta ................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Municipalities...................................................................................................................................................... 26 CLASSIFYING MAMMALIAN SPECIES BASED ON ZOONOTIC RISK.................................28 RECOMMENDATIONS .................................................................................................31 CONCLUSIONS AND FURTHER RESEARCH....................................................................33 REFERENCES................................................................................................................34 APPENDICES................................................................................................................39