Cultivating Science

What if common infections in animals and humans became untreatable? Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not just a phenomenon observed in the lab – it has emerged as one of the most critical threats to global health and economic security today.

For many of us, weeds are simply an annoyance. Just unwanted plants that keep popping up in gardens, lawns or driveways, even if sprayed or pulled out. They are seen as little more than a cosmetic issue.

Every year, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) Plant Health Surveillance team works tirelessly to protect Canada’s plant resources from the threat of invasive pests.

Since December 2021, Canada has been dealing with a nationwide outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). Since the initial outbreak, over 14 million farmed and domestic birds have been impacted.

Most wine lovers in Canada have probably never heard of the Centre for Plant Health. But without it, many of Canada’s favourite vintages might never make it to your glass.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that affects many mammals but primarily impacts wild and domesticated birds, including farmed birds.

Hi, I’m Julie Holmes, the Ontario Area Plant Health Survey Biologist with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. My job sits at the intersection of science, strategy, and real-world action—and I’m lucky to say that no two days are ever the same.

For most people, a wart on their skin is an unsightly nuisance, but generally a minor problem. For farmers, potato wart disease found on a tuber poses a much more serious threat.

Frozen breaded chicken products, like chicken nuggets and fingers, are commonly found in Canadian households. They’re quick, easy, and loved by kids and adults alike. But behind these convenient foods is a story of science and safety.