New research suggests that a vaccine for African swine fever virus could be available soon. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) announced Sept 30 that a vaccine candidate for the highly contagious hog disease has been shown to prevent and effectively protect European- and Asian-bred swine against the currently circulating Asian… Read More
The continued growth of wild pig populations in Western Canada has Ontario regulators working to identify the extent of the problem in the province, and root out the invasive animals before populations establish. Wild pigs are defined as pigs that are not contained and can be found outside fences, says Bree Walpole, a senior policy… Read More
Back in February, the opportunity for pork and beef protein exports from North America to China was so promising. The potential vacuum of demand for proteins after African swine fever (ASF) outbreaks in the Chinese pork industry could have been filled by North America, but COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in the whole prospect. “The… Read More
A University of Saskatchewan lab is now home to the deadly virus wreaking havoc in Asia and parts of Europe, all to support Canada’s preparedness strategy for African swine fever. In partnership with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization-International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) located in the U of S will… Read More
As of August 29, 2019, seven animals in the Saskatchewan RM of Chester have been found dead, and confirmed to have the bacteria that causes anthrax. Bacillus anthracis can survive in its spore form for decades. According to the Beef Cattle Research Council, the ‘perfect storm’ for the disease is caused by flooding or heavy… Read More
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… Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) this week offered an update to the bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) case found in British Columbia late last year. The disease was found in the southern interior region of the province on October 26, 2018, and was announced publicly in November 2018. The investigation is on-going, says CFIA, and the agency… Read More
Alberta Pork has notified pork producers that a 400-head hog operation has tested positive for porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus. According to a news release, this is the first-ever reported case of the deadly disease in Alberta. Once hogs come into contact with the disease, it causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in pigs, often fatally…. Read More
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has announced it’s investigating a case of bovine tuberculosis (bovine TB) in the southern interior of British Columbia. Dr. Debbie Barr, director of animal health, welfare & biosecurity division CFIA, says the mature cow was sent to a slaughter house on Oct. 26, 2018. Post mortem examination showed signs… Read More
With more than 20 cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) reported overseas, Canadian hog producers are taking note of this serious disease. Stewart Skinner, a hog producer from near Listowel, Ont., says he’s worried it will come to Canada through person-to-person, or rather, farm-to-farm contact. “Without sounding alarmist, if we did have a case in… Read More
What we know A tweet posted July 26th by Dr. Egan Brockhoff, DVM, stated that two environmental samples (not livestock) in Saskatchewan had tested positive for PEDv. Heads up! PED Virus +ve environmental samples. Saskatchewan has found a #livestock trailer and #truckwash positive for the virus. Direct connection to US transportation identified as the… Read More
Questions are being raised about the connection between wild ducks in Ontario, an emerging avian virus, and egg production drop in a turkey breeder flock in the province. A research team, including Ontario Veterinary College pathobiology professor Claire Jardine, found 22 per cent of almost 400 live wild ducks sampled from 23 Ontario lakes tested… Read More
Saskatoon will soon be host to a UK company that develops rapid bacteria detection tests using blood and milk samples. Announced today, PBD Biotech has chosen Saskatoon, SK, as the headquarters for its Canadian subsidiary. The company’s Actiphage technology is a “highly sensitive and specific assay” that detects live bacteria in the blood or milk of… Read More
At issue Ontario is set to introduce new rules and regulations as of July 1, 2018, regarding requirements for livestock rabies vaccination. All animals that will interact with the public will be required to maintain up-to-date vaccinations. Why is this a concern? Rabies isn’t fun, you guys. But also, the changes to rabies immunization requirements for… Read More
The Canadian Western Agribition happens each November in Regina, Sask. When the middle of the city’s Evraz Place becomes a riding arena and the barns fill with the fluffiest, meatiest cattle Canadian ranchers have to offer. Shaun Haney and Kelvin Heppner are touring said barns this week, and Shaun caught up with Chad McPherson, general… Read More