The Canadian government is taking proactive steps to safeguard the country’s pork industry from the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF). Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay has announced new funding to support hog producers in preparing for and responding to a potential ASF outbreak.
ASF is a highly contagious viral disease that has devastated swine herds globally, leading to severe economic losses. While Canada remains ASF-free, industry leaders and government officials recognize the need for preventive measures to protect the $5 billion pork sector, which supports thousands of jobs across the country.
The newly announced funding will go toward:
- Enhanced Biosecurity Measures: Strengthening protocols to prevent ASF from entering Canada.
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Increasing disease detection efforts to identify potential outbreaks early.
- Industry Preparedness: Assisting hog producers in developing contingency plans and response strategies.
- Trade Continuity Planning: Ensuring Canada maintains access to export markets in the event of an outbreak.
Minister MacAulay emphasized the importance of proactive action, stating, “This investment ensures that our hog producers are well-equipped to prevent ASF and respond effectively if needed. Keeping Canada ASF-free is a top priority.”
Hog industry representatives have welcomed the funding, noting that maintaining biosecurity and preparedness is essential for the sector’s long-term stability.
For continued updates on ASF preparedness and the latest industry news, visit SwineWeb.com.
