COVID-19 Update

Mar 23, 2020

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To all Ontario Pork producers,

Ontario Pork is closely monitoring recommendations from the government and public health as well as news from industry partners in relation to the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation.

As of March 23:

Border restrictions relate to people only. Trade and commerce, including livestock movement, will continue.
Processing plants in Ontario continue to operate, with procedures in place to reduce the risk of disease transmission and ensure business continuity.
In an update on Monday morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced there will be new measures to support farmers and agri-food businesses facing financial impacts of COVID-19, including $5 billion in lending capacity for producers, agribusinesses and food processors.
Minister Bibeau confimed temporary foreign workers in agriculture, agri-food, seafood processing and other key industries will be permitted to enter Canada. All individuals entering from abroad must isolate for 14 days upon their arrival.
There is no evidence that pigs are susceptible to COVID-19.

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Video: Secure Pork Supply Plan | Prepare to Protect Your Herd | U.S. Pork Producers

Join Jill Brokaw, a third-generation pig farmer, as she dives into the vital role of the Secure Pork Supply (SPS) Plan in preparing the U.S. pork industry for potential foreign animal disease outbreaks. This video is an essential watch for pork producers who are looking to safeguard their operations against the threats of diseases like foot and mouth disease, classical swine fever, and African swine fever. Why Should Pork Producers Care? An outbreak of foreign animal diseases in the U.S. could lead to severe restrictions and potentially result in industry-wide financial losses estimated between $15 to $100 billion. The SPS Plan is a collective effort to prevent such catastrophic outcomes by enhancing biosecurity, ensuring animal traceability, and promoting effective disease monitoring.