September 7, 2005
Dr. Wayne Lees Named New Manitoba Chief Veterinary Officer
Dr. Wayne Lees Named New Manitoba Chief Veterinary OfficerAgriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives Minister Rosann Wowchuk today introduced Dr. Wayne Lees as the new chief veterinary officer (CVO) for the Province of Manitoba.
The CVO will be responsible for animal health and welfare programs, the delivery of a "gate to plate" food safety program, collecting and compiling information relevant to animal health and food supply safety, and assisting in the development and implementation of policy and safeguards in Manitoba's animal industry.
"We are fortunate to have Dr. Lees add his expertise to our team," said Wowchuk. "His skill and insight in detecting and investigating emerging diseases that can affect both animals and humans will prove particularly valuable in the inter-relationship between veterinary and human public health."
Lees graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatchewan in 1975 and a master's degree in veterinary epidemiology from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1989.
Lees' work experience includes time spent as a rural veterinarian, college and university teacher, and head of the Clinical Research Section of the Animal Disease Research Institute (Lethbridge) of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). He also co-ordinated an animal and plant health surveillance network that included more than 20 countries in the Caribbean.
Since returning to Canada in 1995, Lees has served as a veterinary epidemiologist in the Animal Disease Surveillance Unit of CFIA and has been involved with inter-agency working groups and investigations concerning chronic wasting disease, bovine tuberculosis, Johne's disease and, most recently, BSE and avian influenza.
"Maintaining consumer confidence in the safety of our food supply system is of paramount importance," said Wowchuk. "This position will strengthen the liaison with our livestock industry that will help to accurately identify, gauge and manage animal health and welfare standards and enforce regulations to ensure food safety standards."
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