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ONE COW, SEEING DOUBLE STANDARD
In 2000 the confirmation of ‘mad cow disease’ in one
dairy cow in Denmark caused the senseless destruction
(depopulation) of every sheep, cow, goat and water buffalo
imported into Canada from Denmark in the last ten years.
Not one of those animals had any connection with the
diseased dairy cow and they all tested negative to ‘mad
cow disease’.
Denmark began testing all cattle entering the food chain
and in 2001 found 6 cases. Three of those cases were
‘downer cows’ showing signs of illness, three were
considered healthy cows not showing any signs of illness.
The probable cause of contamination in Denmark was
cross-contamination of feed intended for chickens, hogs or
pets containing bovine (cow) remains. Accidental
cross-contamination can occur through mislabeling or human
error at the feed mill or on the farm.
Federal Agriculture Minister Vanclief states that BSE is a
ruminant disease and of no concern to the public, however
it is an accepted theory that humans contract nvCJD from
eating beef yet humans are not ruminants. Hogs and
chickens are not ruminants, maybe their short lives do not
allow for incubation of the disease.
European countries have banned any animal byproducts in
feed for farm animals. Canada must do the same to ensure a
safe food supply.
European countries test every bovine over 30 months of age
before they enter the food chain. Canada must do the same
to reassure consumers that the meat they eat is free from
BSE.
We need one standard and a safe standard for our food
supply.(261 words)
Anthea and Darrel Archer
Fairburn Farm,
3310 Jackson Road, Duncan, British Columbia V9L 6N7
Tel 250-746-4637 info@fairburnfarm.bc.ca
UPDATE - MAY 15, 2003
Growing the herd, the milking parlour, Farm Cream
Teas, Water Buffalo Research Institute, Dedication
ceremony for the memorial cairn, July 27th.
The Canadian born water buffalo are growing and the barn
is looking less empty. They are all related as they had
the same father (sire), however, two males are related
only by the father, no uncles, grandfathers etc.
Importation of semen would not be adequate as we need
completely new bloodlines and we have applied to the
Canadian Food Inspection Agency to import embryos to
diversify the herd. Meanwhile we hope to have six water
buffalo milking by the beginning of 2004.
The next challenge is building the milking parlour and
purchasing the equipment. Buffalo are low-tech which,
fortunately, keeps down the expense. We are currently
searching for funding sources but banks consider us a poor
risk because we have had no farm income for two years and
project low farm income for three more years. Government
promises have all come to a dead end causing more delays
and stress.
We continue to be excited about the possibility of a Water
Buffalo Research Institute and/or a Canadian Water Buffalo
Association. The research component with embryos from
similar chromosome river buffalo compared to swamp
buffalo, the volume of milk from each, the temperament,
type and quantity of food, health issues compared to
cattle are a few topics. Water buffalo were described as
an ‘under utilized animal’ in 1981 and currently Asian
countries are realizing that the loss of water buffalo to
mechanization actually threatens cultures and society
traditions.
We are offering Farm Cream Teas every Sunday afternoon
from May to September. Mothers Day we had 91 visitors for
Afternoon Tea and water buffalo tours. Revenue from Teas
will go towards purchasing milking equipment.
Sunday, July 27th, 2003, there will be a dedication
ceremony for the memorial cairn in memory of the 18 water
buffalo destroyed by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Their deaths and brain tests proved that our water buffalo
did not carry Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (mad cow
disease). We are determined that their memories will be
celebrated in the successful Cowichan Buffalo Dairy, the
only dairy in North American with Bulgarian Murrah, the
elite of the dairy breeds.
AFTER THE SLAUGHTER September, 2002
Fairburn Newsletter
This is a summary of what has happened since Senseless Saturday, the day the CFIA abducted the remaining fourteen imported water buffalo.
Those of you who were present at Fairburn Farm that sad day will remember my asking you if you wished to be involved in further action to help Anthea and Darrel rebuild their shattered dreams. Many others who have already shown their support will be interested in continuing their participation. The time is now!
Originally I had intended to meet with the Archers the following week but that would not have respected their need for time to grieve and begin the process of healing. Better, by far, to await the results of the tests which confirmed what we all knew (even, I believe, many of the CFIA) that perfectly healthy animals had been destroyed.
In the last few weeks I have met with Anthea and Darrel a number of times. They are bearing up well. The Bed and Breakfast/Agri-tourism has been extremely busy and the buffalo calves are enjoying their new-found freedom out in the pasture.
Rather than focus on continuing their condemnation of the government and the CFIA at this time, Anthea and Darrel feel very strongly that some action should be taken to ensure that the treatment to which they were subjected never happens to anyone else. At the same time they feel very positive about continuing with the plans to develop the buffalo herd and a cheese making enterprise. In addition they wish to pursue their ideas for the establishment of a water buffalo research institute at their farm modeled on established buffalo institutes in Europe linking with ongoing research. As this idea progresses they hope to host an information forum on Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) a.k.a. ‘mad-cow disease’ to bring the current scientific information to the Vancouver Island community. They are going to the United Kingdom on October 9th for family reasons and also to visit several water buffalo dairies, the Buffalo Cooperative, several cheese makers and, hopefully, further value added facilities. They will also link up with some of the scientists with whom they have been corresponding.
Following the first meeting with Anthea and Darrel, I met with Reed Elley, MP for Nanaimo-Cowichan. Reed, as you know, has been very supportive of the Archers in their struggle with the CFIA. While he sympathized with those who felt they must vent their anger on politicians and bureaucrats, he suggested that now was perhaps not the best time to antagonize those who might be helpful in obtaining development grants. Further compensation is not a runner as the $4,000 per head is the maximum allowed under the Health of Animals Act.
At an appropriate time, Reed would like to present the buffalo case history to the national media in Ottawa with Anthea and Darrel and some of their scientific advisors present. He liked the idea of a forum in Duncan and felt that this should take place before the event in Ottawa. It has, so far, not been possible to arrange a date convenient to all possible participants.
He suggested that the Archers prepare a number of proposals for the future of Fairburn Farm. He will research what grants might be available and then we can tailor proposals to funding sources and submit applications. He felt that the time was ripe and we should proceed as quickly as possible. (That may be changed since Chretien’s announced retirement). However, we are aware that Alan Rock, Minister of International Trade has been distributing handouts recently in British Columbia and Sheila Copps, Minister of Canadian Heritage, has given a grant of $184,000 to the Belfry Theatre in Victoria.
The third Christmas Craft and Food Fair will be held at Fairburn on December 8th with over 30 local vendors located in the Dickensian Stables, the quadrangle barnyard and inside the Victorian heritage home. This fundraiser has previously been successful and most enjoyable for participants and visitors searching for locally harvested food or regional and unusual gifts.
Although cash flow is currently a challenge for the Archer family, it is the issue of funding research for an emerging industry, expenses and travel costs for scientists attending the information Forum on Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies that needs to be addressed. Fund raising is a priority if we are to be effective in our goals of assisting the Archers in realizing their dreams and in calling the politicians and bureaucrats to account. How we accomplish this needs serious thought and a person or persons with expertise in this area. Any volunteers?
Finally I ask you to submit your suggestions either for inclusion in the proposals being written or for any others that come to your mind. Fund raising ideas are particularly welcome and any indication of how you could help the Archers.
Regrettably, I am not on the internet but you can reach me through the Archers at info@fairburnfarm.bc.ca or by phone and fax at (250) 746-4138.
My address is: Jolyon Briggs, 2485 Koksilah Road, Duncan, V9L 6M7
Please may I hear from you,
Sincerely,
Jolyon (Jo) Briggs
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