The Rural Voice, 2019-01, Page 64Any opinions expressed herein may not
necessarily reflect the views of the
Perth County Pork Producers’
Association.
In 1952, a small chunk of a cured
pork sausage, smuggled into the
country, cost Canada millions in losses
and caused more than 4,000 animals to
be destroyed. That contaminated piece
of meat was most likely discarded
improperly, then ingested by an animal.
What followed was the last epidemic of
a foreign animal disease in Canada.
Of course, in 1953, it was Foot-and-
Mouth Disease that wreaked havoc
across Europe and made its way to
Canada to infect cattle and pigs. Today,
it’s African swine fever making
headlines, impacting the pig population
in Eastern Europe, China, and Africa,
and threatening to do the same if it
makes its way to Canada.
African swine fever (ASF) is one of
the most severe viral diseases that
affect pigs. This disease cannot infect
humans, but has a high mortality rate in
domestic pigs, wild pigs, and European
wild boars. There is no vaccine for this
virus. Quite hardy, the virus can persist
for a long time in the environment,
carcasses and in a variety of pork
products.
Not yet in Canada, but spreading in
Europe and China
Following an outbreak in the
Republic of Georgia in 2007, the virus
has been spreading through the
Caucasus region, the Russian
Federation and Eastern Europe. Cases
in the wild boar population in Belgium
have been reported to the World
Animal Health Organization (OIE).
Since 2007 nearly 1 million pigs in
Europe have been culled for ASF.
In China, the first outbreak was
confirmed on August 3, 2018. The virus
has since spread over a vast area with
multiple outbreaks being reported.
Containing the virus will be a
significant challenge in a country that
owns almost half of the world’s
domestic pigs. China’s pig production
system ranges from modern, large-scale
units to traditional backyard farms.
Several factors complicate efforts to
contain the disease including limited
biosecurity, a high density of wild
boars, and kitchen waste being
routinely fed to backyard pigs.
Among the highest risk factors for
Canada are people smuggling in pork
and pork products and travellers
returning from Europe and China that
may have come in contact with the
virus and are bringing it back on their
clothes or footwear. Feed and feed
ingredients imported from China carry
an additional risk and producers and
feed-mill operators have been
encouraged to better manage imported
ingredients.
Precautions are in place to prevent
the virus from coming to Canada
Canada is taking steps to prevent the
virus from entering the country by
stopping imports of pork from affected
zones. Canadian Border Service agents
have increased their vigilance to ensure
meat is not illegally brought into the
country. The Canadian Pork Council
has asked that the Agency’s detector
dog program be expanded.
The Council, its provincial pork
organization members and other
animal-health organizations are
reaching out to commercial producers,
small-scale producers, hobby farmers,
and pet owners to ensure all
stakeholders are aware of ASF, its risks
and of the necessity of implementing
preventative measures.
Prevention is key to prevent the
Canadian pig herd from being
infected with ASF
ASF has not been reported in
Canada. Everyone has a role to play to
ensure this virus does not make its way
to Canada.
• When visiting other countries, do
not bring back any meat products (this
is illegal, except for cooked canned
products).
• Wash all clothing and footwear
immediately after use in other
countries.
Prevention and enhanced biosecurity
measures are the most important steps
producers can take to prevent this, or
any disease, from contaminating their
farm.
• Routinely evaluate biosecurity
protocols with farm staff, service
providers and visitors.
• Ensure that farm staff and visitors
have not had contact with swine in
other countries where ASF infections
have been detected. If coming from an
ASF-infected area, downtime measures
must be enforced.
• Talk to your suppliers, your herd
nutritionist and your veterinarian about
safe feed sources, holding times and
biosecurity controls.
• Stop pork products from entering
barns.
• Do not feed kitchen waste to pigs.
• Ensure domesticated pigs do not
have any contact with wild pigs.
• Spread the word! Knowledge is
power, so share this information with
other pig owners.
If you suspect your herd is sick:
• Contact your herd veterinarian
immediately if you see any clinical
signs in pigs on your farm that could be
associated with an ASF infection.
• Stop all pig movements. Never
move, sell or send to livestock
auctions/yards sick or compromised
pigs from your farm. This will prevent
further disease spread.
• Implement a self-quarantine on all
animals, feed and equipment until you
know the cause of the illness.
Although humans cannot be infected
with African swine fever, they are the
most likely source of introducing the
virus into Canada. Collaboration and
sharing information is how we will
prevent ASF from affecting the pork
industry. Together, we will ensure that
history does not repeat itself. Everyone
has a role to play to keep our pork
production safe, wholesome and
nutritious.
For more information visit
www.cpc-ccp.com. ◊
– Submitted by the
Canadian Pork Council
Perth, Huron,
Grey and Bruce
Craig Hulshof, President
craig.hulshof@gmail.com / 519-301-8483
* The Rural Voice is provided to
Perth County Pork Producers by the PCPPA
perthcountyporkproducers@gmail.comCounty Pork Producers NEWSLETTER
Collaboration will prevent African swine fever from impacting pork
production, food security, and biodiversity in Canada
60 The Rural Voice