August 22, 2007

Canada to give US$76 million to fight pig diseases

The Canadian government announced Tuesday (Aug 21) it will contribute US$76 million (Canadian) over four years to combat disease in the country's hog sector.

Porcine circovirus-associated diseases are having a serious impact on the Canadian swine industry, with more cases across the country, according to the announcement from Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada.

The four-year programme would focus on assisting producers and the industry in four areas: herd inoculation, research, biosecurity best management practices and finding long-term risk management solutions.

The Canadian Pork Council (CPC) has applauded the announcement, with Council president Clare Schlegel praising the Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada for recognizing the critical role that good animal health plays in the sector and the serious challenges hog producers are currently facing.

Canada's pork industry is also facing challenges, such as the strengthening Canadian dollar, low hog prices on top of a sharp increase in input costs, such as feed prices, said Schlegel.

Diseases such as Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases (PCVAD) and Porcine Reproduction and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), are an ever present threat to the Canadian hog industry, she added.