Special information for livestock producers has been developed.   Ottawa—Staff members of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture have been gathering information on COVID-19 to make sure the threat of the virus is fully understood by farmers and others in the food system. It was one of 40 organizations that is participating in a campaign by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to keep businesses large and small fully infirmed on the virus and how to cope with it. The bottom line is making sure everyone understands “that COVID-19 is spread by droplets by coughing or sneezing from an infected person to non-effected person. The virus may take up to 14 days to incubate before a person has any symptoms.” Included in the advice is a recommendation that people “avoid unprotected contact with farm or wild animals.” Also important is avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory infections, frequent hand-washing, especially after direct contact with ill people or their environment and people with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette such as maintaining distance from others, covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues or clothing and washing hands. “The health and safety of workers is a priority for Canada's farmers, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council is monitoring the situation and is working with the CFA along with other industry associations to ensure that producers have the most up to date information about recommended safety precautions,” says Cyr Courturier, Chair of the Canadian Agriculture Human Resources Council. Farmer not only have to think of themselves and their families, they also must consider the well being of their workers, he said. Beth Connery, Labour Chair of Canadian Horticulture Council; said, “Currently, there are no large outbreaks in the countries we typically source workers from. If an outbreak does occur, no workers could mean crops left uncared for and unharvested and quite possibly many crops not seeded at all, especially in horticulture where there are no mechanical alternatives. It could also mean workers coming and then wanting to return home if family becomes ill.” Frank Annau, CFA's Director of Environmental and Science Policy, said, “While a recent study suggests that the virus that causes COVID-19 may have the potential to infect some types of animals, similar to what is known for SARS-CoV, there is currently no evidence that other domestic animals can be infected with COVID-19 virus can be a source of infection to people. There are still many unknowns about this newly emerged coronavirus and this is an area that remains to be studied and understood. “Those handling live animals and animal products should practice good personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing after touching animals and animal products. They should consider wearing protective gowns, gloves, masks while professionally handling animals and fresh animal products. Equipment and working stations should be disinfected frequently, at least once a day. “Protective clothing should be removed after work and washed daily. Workers should avoid exposing family members to soiled work clothing, shoes, or other items that may have come into contact with potentially contaminated material. It is therefore recommended that protective clothes and items remain at the workplace for daily washing. COC President Perrin Beatty says the federal cabinet committee set up to deal with COVID 19 shows the government is taking the economic impacts of the virus very seriously and that co-ordinated response by the federal, provincial and local government is essential. The COC “has posted a number of tools to our website and will be sharing an updated preparedness guide for SMEs in the coming days.” Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.