The Canadian Food Inspection
Agency is partnering with the University of Guelph on several projects,
including one aimed at curbing the advance of invasive pests, diseases and
plants.
(CFIA) is investing $320,000 in the University of Guelph's Biodiversity
Institute of Ontario to support collaborative research projects.
These projects will use DNA barcoding and innovative computer technology
to help protect Canada's plants, animals and people from invasive pests and
diseases.
The funding will support projects that will improve diagnostic testing,
the agriculture industry's response to emerging threats and meet requirements
for international trade.
The first project aims to develop DNA barcoding tools to protect
Canadian crops by identifying destructive insect pests.
It will also look at using DNA technology to rapidly analyze soil
samples for invasive weed seeds, helping to protect plants and seed banks.
The second project will focus on DNA barcoding tools to identify
Culicoides midges, disease-carrying insects that affect Canadian livestock.
The University of Guelph will also develop software to help track and
analyze information relating to animal diseases spread by insects like midges
and mosquitoes.
