Alberta Pork has confirmed a fourth case of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) in the province, while a fifth case was also detected. The highly contagious virus that affects hogs, was first discovered in Alberta back in January. Since then, the province has recorded a case once a month, aside from this recent discovery of two cases; however the fifth case remains to be confirmed by the provincial veterinarian.

The organization continues to work closely with industry and remains active in all parts of the investigation. According to a news release, in all cases pig movements were stopped immediately following discovery of the disease.

Alberta Pork urges pork producers in the province to make sure their biosecurity measures are at the highest standards during this time. Any producers operating within the 60-kilometre buffer zone surrounding the affected farm operation will be notified separately and provided additional biosecurity instruction.

In an effort to stop the movement of the virus, producers should also consult their herd veterinarians before making shipping decisions as a precaution if herd health issues are suspected.

Related

• Alberta announces first-ever PEDv case found in the province
• Second case of PEDv found in Alberta
• Third case of PEDv found in Alberta, one earlier case deemed negative

Canadian National (CN) Railway has announced it will be investing more than $245 million in Saskatchewan, through capital expenditures, hiring more train conductors, and purchasing high horsepower locomotives.

CN employs roughly 1,300 people in the province, and its railroad route covers approximately 1,937 miles.

“This year, CN is investing $35 million more than last year to bring greater capacity to CN’s mainline to benefit all commodities,” says Doug Ryhorchuk, vice-president of CN’s western region.

Planned expansion projects include construction of:

• 10 miles of double track between near Atwater, east of Melville;
• 10 miles of double track near Fenwood, west of Melville;
• 8 miles of double track near Biggar, west of Saskatoon; and
• 7 miles of double track near Clavet, southeast of Saskatoon.

Maintenance program highlights include:

• Replacement of approximately 66 miles of rail
• Installation of approximately 260,000 new railroad ties
• Rebuilds of 21 road crossing surfaces
• Other maintenance work on culverts, signal systems, and additional track infrastructure

The amount of train conductors increased by 25 per cent last year in addition to a 10 per cent increase in high horsepower locomotives. Currently the company is implementing safety enhancing technologies across its network which include autonomous track inspection program, distributed air cars, and automated inspection portals, CN says.

The rail company has pledged to make a $3.9 billion dollar capital investment across Canada. Over the span of two years, CN’s capital investment will total $7.4 billion dollars.