The Rural Voice, 1993-12, Page 18Diagnostics
Farewell from Huron Park
by Dr. G. K. A. Josephson
Veterinary Laboratory Services
Iluron Park
Due to budgetary constraints, the
Ontario government announced on
April 23, 1993, the closing of the
veterinary diagnostic laboratory at
Huron Park. Although
the laboratory is not
slated for closure until
March 31, 1994, staff
have already been
reassigned to various
positions in other work
areas within the
government.
As I write this final
column from my new
office in Guelph, where
have assumed the
responsibilities of Veterinary
Mycoplasmologist, I do so with
very mixed emotions.
The laboratory at Huron Park
was officially opened in May, 1970,
and in the ensuing 24 years,
performed a service to the livestock
owners in Huron, Perth, west
Oxford, Middlesex and north
Lambton counties, that I would like
to think was second to none.
I personally take great pride in
the role that the laboratory played
in the diagnosing and monitoring of
disease in this part of the province,
as was evidenced by the continued
usage of the facilities. I am proud
of the staff and their
accomplishments — their expertise,
particularly as it relates to swine,
has been recognized locally,
provincially, nationally, and
internationally. I publicly thank
them for their many years of
service!
I am comforted by the support of
the livestock owners who, in the six
months since the announced
closure, have voiced their concems
to the elected officials concerning
the loss of the facility. This
demonstration of support confirms
to the staff that the closure was due
to the financial situation faced by
the government, and not due to the
lack of acceptance of the services.
I am saddened by the fact that,
after 24 years, the laboratory is
closing and the staff are leaving,
many to other jobs in the
government in other areas
of the province. To some,
however, the future is
uncertain. Contact with
the many clients, who
have become friends over
the years, will be lost, and
these friends will be
missed. The staff at
Centralia College of
Agricultural Technology
will also be missed.
Even though the facility
at Huron Park is closing, the
Ministry of Agriculture is
Thanks
for
your
friendship
14 THE RURAL VOICE
committed to providing quality
laboratory services to all areas of
Ontario. Submission of carcasses
will now involve a trip to the
diagnostic facilities at either Guelph
or Ridgetown. Veterinary
practitioners will be conducting
more on-farm post-mortem
examinations and subsequently
submitting samples to other
laboratories, but the service will
continue.
As this will be our last column in
The Rural Voice, I would like to
express thanks from Dr. Ernie
Sanford, Dr. Ab Rehmtulla, myself
and all the staff at the Huron Park
laboratory for your friendship,
kindness and support over the
years.
Our best wishes to each and all
of you!O
cALL US
n/r
FOR ALL YOUR DAIRY AND FEED HANDLING
EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
• Orbit 2000 milker (automatic shut off)
• Alamo vacuum pumps
• Automatic take -offs
• Starline
• Jamesway
• Oswalt mixers
• Lucknow mixers
• Big Jim silo unloaders
• Bobco power feed carts and straw choppers
• Rissler T.M.R. mix carts
CaII: John at 522-1935 or 642-7372
Doug at 522-1935
HURON DAIRY EQUIPMENT LTD. SURGE
R. R. 4, Seaforth, Ontario, NOK 1 WO