August 31, 2022

Manitoba Pork commends Canada's investment to prevent African swine fever

Manitoba Pork has commended Canada's federal government's announcement of a new CAD 45.3 million (~US$34.5 million; CAD 1 = US$0.76) investment to help prevent and prepare for a potential outbreak of African swine fever (ASF), Portage Online reported.

The announcement was made by Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

ASF has not yet been discovered in Manitoba province or anywhere in Canada, but if it were, the sector would suffer, as well as the provincial and national economies.

Rick Préjet, chairman of Manitoba Pork, said the discovery of African swine fever would be disastrous for both Manitoba and Canada's swine industry. The federal government's recognition of the threat that this disease poses to not only the industry but also to the economy pleases Manitoba's swine farmers.

He said they are committed to working closely with their partners at all levels of government to prevent the spread of ASF to Canada and to ensure that they have plans in place to minimise any potential effects as much as possible.

The funding announcement includes CAD 23.4 million (~US$17.8 million) to support the industry's already significant prevention and mitigation efforts, CAD 19.8 million (~US$15 million) to support the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's efforts, and CAD 2.1 million (~US$1.6 million) to improve Canada Border Services Agency's work on border control initiatives.

-      Portage Online