When we think about foreign animal diseases (FADs) in the swine industry, such as African Swine Fever (ASF), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Classical Swine Fever (CSF), we are reminded of the fragility of our agricultural systems. The threat of an outbreak demands vigilant preparedness, rapid response, and a community-wide effort to mitigate damage. Interestingly, the legacy of Gord Downie, the lead singer of The Tragically Hip, offers lessons that can be applied to swine foreign animal disease preparation. His activism, art, and advocacy provide a framework for approaching such complex issues with urgency, empathy, and a forward-looking perspective.
The Importance of Preparation
“No dress rehearsal, this is our life.”
In the iconic song “Ahead by a Century,” Downie sings the powerful line, “No dress rehearsal, this is our life.” This sentiment could not be more relevant to the swine industry’s approach to foreign animal disease preparedness. There is no second chance when a disease outbreak occurs. As Dr. Kay Russo recently pointed out, the dairy industry did not stop movement of animals in the evolving H5N1 dairy cattle situation, and that has enabled significant transfer of the virus across the industry. The swine industry must continue to plan for the expected USDA mandated 72-hour standstill in the event of a foreign animal disease detected in the United States.
Preparation for foreign animal diseases in swine populations requires a multi-pronged approach: enhanced biosecurity measures, including Secure Pork Supply (SPS) plans; tracking of animal movements through programs, such as AgView; early detection and surveillance through ongoing testing at veterinary laboratories, like the Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ADRDL) at South Dakota State University; rapid response protocols, as outlined in the Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness and Response (FAD PReP) document; and international cooperation. African Swine Fever, for example, has already devastated pig populations in Asia and Europe, highlighting how unprepared many regions were for its rapid spread. Canada, the United States, and other countries have made strides in preparing for potential outbreaks, but the constant evolution of pathogens and the ever-present risk of globalization mean that preparedness must be continuously reviewed and improved.
Downie’s work, particularly his advocacy for Indigenous rights, was also a lesson in preparedness. He pushed Canada to reckon with its past and present in order to prepare for a better future. Similarly, the swine industry must learn from past outbreaks, such as the appearance of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) in the spring of 2013, and commit to forward-thinking strategies, understanding that the cost of inaction or delayed action is far greater than the investment in readiness.
The Power of Community
“Courage, my word.”
Gord Downie’s fight against terminal brain cancer and his final tour underscored the value of community support in the face of adversity. When faced with an impending crisis, Downie rallied, not just his band, but an entire nation around important causes, notably the healing journey with Indigenous communities. In the same way, addressing foreign animal diseases requires a community effort. Farmers, veterinarians, researchers, policymakers, and consumers must all play their part. Just as Downie used his platform to raise awareness of reconciliation, the swine industry must continue to raise awareness of biosecurity practices, disease transmission risks, and the global impact of animal disease.
The Role of Empathy
“We’re all in this together.”
Downie was not just a rock star; he was a man deeply connected to the human condition. His lyrics often dealt with empathy, memory, and the fragility of life. These themes are important to reflect on when considering the potential devastation caused by an outbreak of swine foreign animal disease. The lives impacted are not only those of animals, but also the livelihoods of farmers, the food security of populations, and the economic stability of entire regions.
An outbreak of a foreign animal disease, like African Swine Fever, could have catastrophic consequences for small- and large-scale pig producers alike. It’s easy to look at these issues in purely economic terms, but Downie’s legacy reminds us that human lives and emotions are deeply connected to agricultural systems. The psychological and financial stress caused by losing herds to disease mirrors the emotional burden Downie carried during his illness, and the outpouring of support he received reflects the empathy we must extend to those on the front lines of an agricultural crisis.
As such, empathy must be at the core of preparation. Policies and practices should not only be aimed at disease containment, but also at supporting the mental health and economic resilience of those affected. Just as Downie’s lyrics urged us to care for one another in the face of hardship, the agricultural community must ensure that its response to foreign animal diseases is humane, compassionate, and considerate of the ripple effects on society at large.
Conclusion
A Legacy of Action and Reflection
Gord Downie’s legacy is one of the actions he used through his platform to create meaningful change and confront uncomfortable realities. In a similar way, the swine industry must confront the uncomfortable reality of foreign animal diseases head-on, taking proactive steps rather than reactive ones. Downie’s music and advocacy provide a roadmap: prepare, support your community, act with empathy, and understand that there is no dress rehearsal when dealing with crises. The swine industry must heed this wisdom, ensuring that when a foreign animal disease threatens, it is prepared not just to react, but to protect the future of food systems worldwide.
