Canadian lawmakers call on government to halt imports of long-tailed macaques

Canadian lawmakers call on government to halt imports of long-tailed macaques


A half-dozen members of the Canadian parliament are urging the government to immediately suspend imports of long-tailed macaques into the country over concerns the monkeys may be infected with tuberculosis and pose a biosecurity risk.

In their Oct. 1 letter, the lawmakers cite reports that dozens of infected monkeys arrived in Canada between 2011 and 2014 due to a “discredited” screening system, and say the Canadian Food Inspection Agency “has not strengthened oversight, imposed additional controls, or acknowledged the inadequacy of outdated testing protocols.”

“Evidence now confirms that monkeys infected with tuberculosis… are entering North America through the international primate trade,” wrote the lawmakers, who are all members of the Ontario New Democratic Party, an opposition party that describes itself as social democratic.

STAT+ Exclusive Story

STAT+





This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers

Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts.

Already have an account? Log in

View All Plans

To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+.

Subscribe



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *