MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 07/29/16 -- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Navdeep Bains, on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, today announced an investment of $3.4 million to help AbCelex Technologies develop a new line of anti-microbial feed additives to help control disease outbreaks in poultry flocks.
The company is developing a line of innovative non-antibiotic, non-hormonal additives that are specifically targeted at Campylobacter and Salmonella, two of the most common food-borne bacteria that infect poultry. The new anti-microbials - called "nanobodies" - will result in healthier poultry and improve food safety.
Quick facts
-- AbCelex is a Canadian biotechnology company focused on developing
livestock food additives that help improve animal health and food
safety.
-- AAFC supports the development and adoption of industry-led initiatives
regarding biosecurity and animal care to support the prudent use of
antimicrobials. See link below
-- This project will be conducted in collaboration with the International
Vaccine Centre at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of
Toronto and the Colorado Quality Research Inc.
-- Funding for this project comes from the AgriInnovation Program (Research
and Development Stream) as part of the Growing Forward 2 agricultural
policy framework.
Quotes
"Our Government is committed to positioning Canada as a global leader for innovation - one that creates well-paying jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. Today's announcement is a prime example of that priority in action: these innovations will reduce the use of antibiotics and result in safer food, a healthier population and a more productive agricultural economy."
- Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
"We are very appreciative to be a recipient of this important funding. With this visionary contribution and other strategic investments, AbCelex Technologies is well positioned to advance its platform technology and develop next-generation biological products needed for improved human health and a reduction in healthcare costs as a result of food contamination."
- Dr. Saeid Babaei, President & CEO of AbCelex Technologies
Additional links
AgriInnovation Program
AbCelex Technologies
Federal Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Canada: Building on the Federal Framework for Action
Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada
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Contacts:
Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
