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Biosecurity Key to Maintaining Effective Foreign Animal Disease Prevention

The Swine Health Information Center is advising North American Swine producers to maintain their focus on biosecurity as the global African Swine Fever situation continues to evolve.As part of its October eNewsletter the Swine Health Information Center has released its monthly domestic and global swine disease monitoring reports.

SHIC Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton says, month over month, African Swine Fever continues to be a significant challenge in most parts of the globe.

Quote-Dr. Lisa Becton-Swine Health Information Center:

We are seeing ASF cause significant pig losses in Italy.Some areas are seeing some viruses and some genotypes being free.Sweden is one of those areas that is considered now free of ASF a year after it was detected in wild boar however other places such as the Philippines are seeing the need to step up their methods of control, which also includes the deployment of vaccines.

Russia is reporting for the first time the detection of an African Swine Fever recombinant of the genotype-1 and the genotype-2 virus.It is 99 percent similar to one of the viruses that was reported in China in 2021 and then again in Vietnam in 2023 and there is concern with how much ASF is changing.If it's recombining, will the same vaccines that we're using now still be effective or not?

So, it does impact how we assess different protocols for this virus but also important to look at the virus itself and say is this going to be more damaging to the industry or less and that's something that bears monitoring.The UK continues to ban personal imports of pork at borders, trying to prevent ASF from coming in and France is looking at their situation and trying to create a wild boar free zone to help reduce the risk of infection into their commercial swine population.

As ASF the situation evolves globally, Dr. Becton advises North American swine producers to control what they can control by continuing to follow biosecurity protocols, restricting access to swine barns and participating in various preventive programs that are available.

Source : Farmscape.ca

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Breakfast on the Farm - August 23, 2025

Video: Breakfast on the Farm - August 23, 2025


Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Location: Norfolk County Fairgrounds & Schooley Orchards/Apple Hill Lavender
Start your morning with a delicious farm-fresh breakfast and experience life on the farm — hands-on, up close, and unforgettable.
After breakfast at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds, take a guided tour of Schooley Orchards/Apple Hill Lavender. Stroll through apple orchards and lavender fields, meet local farmers, and discover how your food is grown and raised right here in Ontario.
What you can look forward to:
  • Local farm-fresh breakfast
  • Meet and learn about farm animals
  • Interactive exhibits and games
  • Farm equipment showcase
  • Self-guided tours through orchards and lavender fields
  • Fun and educational activities for all ages
This is a unique opportunity to connect with local agriculture, learn where your food comes from, and enjoy a memorable family outing.