Funds underscore importance of research and development to enhance biosecurity measures within the industry
Glacier FarmMedia – The federal government has earmarked more than $9.6 million to help the Canadian pork sector prevent and prepare for African swine fever.
Francis Drouin, parliamentary secretary to the agriculture minister, announced funding for African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program projects across the country.
The Canadian Pork Council also received funding to develop ASFMeter, a portable, low-cost tool for rapidly diagnosing ASF in the field, the organization said in a separate release.
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In collaboration with McMaster University in Hamilton, the CPC said, “this innovative program aims to revolutionize ASF detection by providing a convenient and effective solution for on-site testing.”
CPC chair René Roy said the AAFC/McMaster University collaboration “brings together expertise in research and technology, ensuring that the ASFMeter meets the rigorous standards required for rapid and accurate ASF detection.”
Roy said the funds underscore the importance of research and development to enhance biosecurity measures within the swine industry, as well as the joint industry/government proactive approach to ensure sustainability of Canadian pork production.
Detection of ASF in Canada would immediately stop exports of pork products and live pigs. The Canadian pork industry exports roughly two-thirds of its pork production and millions of live hogs per year.
According to AAFC, pork exports were valued at $4.7 billion in 2023, excluding the 6.7 million live swine.
ASF has not been found in Canada, but as it spreads around the globe, it poses a significant risk to the health of the Canadian swine herd, the pork industry and the Canadian economy, AAFC said.
Since 2018, ASF has spread through parts of Asia and Europe, and was detected in the Caribbean in 2021.
The $23.4 million preparedness program was launched in 2022 to help Canada’s pork industry prepare for the possibility of ASF in this country. Funding for the projects announced must be completed by March 31, 2025.
