The federal government has pledged $3.1 million toward improved swine health surveillance.
“One of the greatest threats … facing the sector is the threat of animal disease, hence why we’re here today,” said federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald.
He made the announcement the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island on Friday morning. The college’s research will support the project, which will be administered through the Canadian Pork Council (CPC).
WHY IT MATTERS: The Canadian pork sector and federal government have invested significantly in disease surveillance and preparedness due to the potentially disasterous effects of diseases like African Swine Fever. That disease hasn’t been found in Canada, but has been devastating to hog farmers in affected countries.
The funding will help to expand the “scope of and quality of swine health surveillance in Canada,” MacDonald said.
Funds will support lab screening, standardized testing for viruses and a secure surveillance database to track swine viruses.
“Despite our farmers’ best efforts, disease outbreaks can occur and spready quickly, affecting not only animal health but also our national and global food supply, our economy and jobs along the supply chain,” MacDonald said.
CPC Chair René Roy said effective surveillance depends on timely information sharing and a coordinated sector not operating in silos.
“This investment will help advance innovative diagnostic tools, support nationally consistent testing approaches and strengthen and secure use of surveillance information,” Roy said. “Most importantly, it will translate better information into earlier action and stronger protection for Canadian Pork Producers.”
Click here to see more...