May 23, 2024

Canada boosts preparedness against ASF with US$7 million investment

The Government of Canada is enhancing the resilience of rural communities and the pork sector by supporting prevention and preparedness measures for African swine fever (ASF), National Hog Farmer reported.

Last week, Francis Drouin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of up to CAD 9,645,586 (US$7 million) to fund 29 African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Programme projects across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

Drouin said this programme not only supports Canada's pork industry's commitment to prevention and preparation efforts against ASF, but it also supports efforts to prevent and prepare for other potential foreign animal diseases.

Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food said these projects are a key part of Canada's efforts to prevent an ASF outbreak while ensuring the country's pork sector is ready to respond.

The investment will fund ASF research, improved biosecurity measures, wild swine management activities, retrofits of existing abattoirs, regional preparation for the welfare depopulation and disposal of healthy swine, and sector analysis, engagement, and education tools. This support aims to ensure the sector is prepared should a case be detected.

Rene Roy, chair of the Canadian Pork Council, said they are thrilled to work with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada as it delivers on its commitment to industry preparedness through the African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Programme.

Roy said this crucial and innovative initiative, part of AAFC's broader efforts to enhance biosecurity and disease management in Canadian agriculture, reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the pork industry's resilience and sustainability through embracing new ideas and an industry-wide approach.

Although ASF has not yet been detected in Canada, its global spread poses a significant risk to the health of the Canadian swine herd, the pork industry, and the broader economy.

-      National Hog Farmer