African swine fever has not yet been detected in Canada, however the disease of hogs would have a devastating impact on the swine herds, the industry, the trade of Canadian pork products, and the Canadian economy should it show up.
Wild hogs, an invasive species, can be a carrier or vector for African swine fever. Wild hogs also cause ecological damage, wildlife habitat destruction, crop damage and human safety concerns.
Animal Health Canada says that because wild hogs pose a risk to the spread of African swine fever, the species has been added to the on-going surveillance program, CanSpotASF.
CanSpotASF is an early detection surveillance program for ASF in Canada. Wildlife officers, trappers, veterinarians, and farmers are encouraged to submit invasive wild pig sample materials whenever possible. Information on sample submission can be found at AnimalHealthCanada.ca/CanSpotASF.
ASF is a reportable disease, so certain people, such as veterinarians, producers, and farm staff are required to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) immediately if the disease is suspected.
“The CanSpotASF program already works with approved animal diagnostic laboratories and with provincial and federal abattoirs to ensure we can detect ASF early in commercial swine,” says Erica Charlton, emergency management division director at Animal Health Canada (AHC). “Expanding to collect invasive wild pig samples is another step to ensure we can detect the African swine fever virus sooner to avoid any spread in Canada.”
ASF testing by approved laboratories on eligible cases will be paid for by the provinces in which the invasive wild pigs are found and by the federal government in some circumstances.
“Expanding the CanSpotASF program to include wild pig sampling is a crucial step,” says René Roy, chair of the Canadian Pork Council. “Early detection through this comprehensive surveillance allows Canada to act swiftly, minimizing the risk of ASF outbreaks and protecting the livelihoods of farmers and the stability of our national economy. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration and vigilance in maintaining the health of Canada’s swine herds.”
The CanSpotASF is a voluntary program and is a collaboration between Animal Health Canada, federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and the pig industry including the Canadian Pork Council and Canadian Meat Council, among others.
Related:
- Canada’s wild pig problem could become a U.S. problem, too
- RealAg Radio: Soybean quality program cut, tracking the wild pig population, and cover crop fixes, Jan 30, 2024
