ASF in Canada could wipe out the nation's pig herd

Over the past three years, pork producers and government officials have worked closely to strengthen Canada's capacity to prevent and, if necessary, respond to an ASF outbreak.

Canada, one of the first countries to step up measures to prevent an outbreak of African swine fever after the disease caused an industry crisis in Asia, is now trying to secure its borders again from the danger posed by the outbreak, which was reported by the authorities in the Dominican Republic. News that pigs in the Dominican Republic have tested positive for African swine fever (ASF) is alarming Canadian pork producers. ASF has spread to pork-producing countries in Europe and Asia and has reached the western hemisphere for the first time in 40 years. While ASF does not pose a risk to humans or other animals, an ASF outbreak in Canada could wipe out the Canadian swine herd, putting farming families and tens of thousands of jobs at risk along the value chain.

Over the past three years, pork producers and government officials have worked closely to strengthen Canada's capacity to prevent and, if necessary, respond to an ASF outbreak. Canadian Pork Council Chairman Rick Bergmann was delighted that one of the outcomes of this collaborative effort was the Canadian Border Services Agency's quick decision to add the Dominican Republic to the list of countries where border guards check for ASF risks. This change builds on measures taken in 2019 to increase the number of detection dog teams, improve public awareness of the risks associated with illegal meat imports, and control imports of unprocessed grains and oilseeds from ASF-infected countries.

Mr. Bergmann noted Minister Bibo's recent statement following the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministerial Meeting, in which she reaffirmed that ASF preparedness and response remains a top priority. “While significant progress has been made, opportunities remain to eradicate feral pigs, improve biosecurity, and develop the policies and response programs that would be required if an outbreak occurs in Canada. We look forward to working with the Government of Canada to further strengthen our ability to maintain the health of our swine herd and swine production in Canada,” stated Rick Bergmann.