In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association hosted a conversation with three experts to discuss the science behind vaccines, address issues specific to farms and rural Canada.
Vaccine information for farmers and rural Canadians
Cynthia Carr
M.P.A., M.Sc. Cert. Health Law
Principal Consultant and Epidemiologist
EPI Research Inc.
Cynthia Carr M.P.A., M.Sc. Cert. Health Law
Cynthia Carr M.P.A., M.Sc. Cert. Health Law
Principal Consultant and Epidemiologist
EPI Research Inc.
Starting her career in the Northwest Territories, Cynthia brings more than 25 years as an epidemiologist, community engagement facilitator, health policy specialist, evaluator, business case development expert and strategic planner.
After spending five years as a government epidemiologist, Cynthia founded EPI Research Inc. which as been in business for more than 20 years. The business focuses on evidence-based decision making and good data collection to better understand staff, client and community needs. Clients use the information to support evidence-based decision-making, business case development and assess return on investment. A primary focus of our work is Indigenous, northern and rural equity in health outcomes and social determinants of health. EPI Research Inc. supports many businesses beyond health care to help develop, monitor and evaluate strategic plans with good data collection and development of measurable and timely indicators.
The Covid-19 pandemic has led to an organization pivot with extensive public speaking and media support in public health messaging. With this has come increased requests for support from industry and government in risk management and public health messaging
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David Marchant
PhD, FRSM
Associate Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Canada Research Chair in Viral Pathogenesis
Royal Society of Medicine Fellow (UK)
University of Alberta, Edmonton
David Marchant, PhD, FRSM
David Marchant PhD, FRSM
Associate Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Canada Research Chair in Viral Pathogenesis
Royal Society of Medicine Fellow (UK)
University of Alberta, Edmonton
David’s research program studies the transmission, replication and treatment of respiratory viruses like SARS-CoV2 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV by example is the single biggest cause of infant hospitalizations worldwide and a significant cause of asthma and COPD exacerbations. A major breakthrough in this area was that David’s research team identified the cellular entry receptor for RSV, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) (Griffiths and Bilawchuk et al. Nature, 2020). IGF1R mediates the entry of RSV into the host cell with the RSV coreceptor, nucleolin, that he also discovered (Tayyari and Marchant et al. Nat. Med. 2011). David’s team were awarded the Young Investigator award for the discovery of the RSV receptor, at the international RSV2018 meeting held in Ashville, North Carolina in 2018.
Host cell factors of the receptor complex and viral polymerase proteins can be targeted with small molecules to inhibit seasonal infections like RSV and pandemic ones like SARS-CoV2 infections. We are developing some of these compounds and RSV polymerase inhibitors into inhaled antiviral drugs that can be easily administered to infants and adults. These therapeutic development activities are supported by an awarded CIHR-COVID-19 Rapid Response grant, of which Dr. Marchant was the principal applicant, titled, “Broad-spectrum Antiviral Nasal Spray to Prevent and treat Infection by SARS-CoV2 and Seasonal Respiratory Viruses in High Risk Patients and Health Care workers. These discoveries are being developed through the biotechnology company that David founded called Antibiddies Technologies Inc.
David’s broader academic interests include vaccination as well as airway and lung diseases. He coordinates and teaches a graduate level course at University of Alberta on controversy in science. This includes a large section on vaccine hesitancy and its origins. He regularly gives talks on the benefits, safety and history of vaccination to the general public.
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Richard Rusk
BVSc, MD, CCFP, Dip ABPM, MPH
Medical Officer of Health, Communicable Disease Unit, Manitoba Health
Seniors and Active Living & CPD Medicine Program Director, Max Rady College of Medicine
Veterinarian
Richard Rusk, BVSc, MD, CCFP, Dip ABPM, MPH
Richard Ruck, BVSc, MD, CCFP, Dip ABPM, MPH
Richard Rusk received his Bachelor’s degree of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pretoria, South Africa in 1992 and came to Canada to practice as a large animal veterinarian in Alberta and Manitoba. He then went on to receive his Medical Doctors degree in 2005 from University of Manitoba. He specialised in Public Health with an emphasis on Zoonotic diseases. He worked as a Medical Officer of Health for the Health Ministry in Manitoba, with a focus on developing a One Health approach to zoonotic disease management in the health and agricultural industries. He has been instrumental in developing the One Welfare aspect of One Health in Canada through collaborative work between Manitoba Agriculture and Manitoba Health and nationally through work with the National Farm Animal Health and Welfare Council. He now has a private consulting company that supports the agri-food industry and large corporations in dealing with the health and wellness of their employees, with a mantra of “One Health guidance for a healthier future world”.
In his spare time, he works in a community medicine practice, helps with teaching medical students and does triathlon.
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COVID-19 and Farm Safety
CASA has teamed up with provincial partners from across Canada to share, communicate, and create COVID-19 resources to keep farms healthy and safe.
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association remains committed to the safety and wellbeing of Canadian farmers, farmworkers, farm families, and farming communities.
CASA is working with provincial partners to help share and communicate important COVID-19 information as it impacts farm safety. The desired outcome is to share quality, Canadian ag-specific resources and information. This page will be updated as more resources and information become available.
If you have questions or concerns about any information on this page, contact CASA at info@casa-acsa.ca.
Provincial COVID-19 Farm Safety Links
- (BC) AgSafe Resources available in English, French, Spanish, Punjabi and Vietnamese.
- (AB) AgSafe Alberta
- (ON) Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (Resources available in English and French)
- (PQ) L’Union des producteurs agricoles (Resources available in French)
- (NB) Agricultural Alliance of NB (Resources available in English and French)
Other Featured Links
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (Step up to the plate – Help feed Canadians)
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COVID-19 Resources List
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COVID-19 Public Service Announcements
