Recognizing that infectious disease is one of the major risks to swine production, the Government of Canada is helping industry further develop the tools needed to safeguard animal health, strengthen sector resilience, and support future growth.
Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald has announced up to $3,111,486 for the Canadian Pork Council through the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component to advance the scope and quality of swine health surveillance in Canada.
This funding will support the development, validation and upgrading of multiplex assay technologies, which are comprehensive lab tests that can screen for multiple domestic swine viruses from a single sample. The project also includes implementing a targeted national proficiency program to support consistent testing across veterinary labs in Canada and establishing a secure surveillance database to track swine viruses.
This investment will increase the availability of cost-effective, specific and sensitive diagnostic testing for rapid detection of swine intestinal and respiratory viruses. The project is based at the Atlantic Veterinary College and involves collaboration with veterinary practitioners, veterinary laboratories and industry.
Disease outbreak can have major impacts on animal welfare, food supply, productivity, producer mental health and can result in significant economic losses. Animal health surveillance is key to early detection, preventing spread and helping to mitigate the effects that disease can have. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting resilience of the swine industry by investing in innovative solutions that enhance animal health, improve productivity and strengthen Canada's reputation as a trusted producer of high-quality pork.
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