QUESTION PERIOD — Agriculture and Agri-Food
African Swine Fever
February 27, 2024
Senator Gold, African swine fever, or ASF, is a viral disease that impacts pigs. Responsible for massive losses in pig populations and drastic economic consequences, ASF has become a major crisis for the pork industry in recent years.
Currently affecting several regions around the world, the disease is not only impeding animal health and welfare but also has significant detrimental impacts on biodiversity and the livelihoods of farmers. The ASF virus is highly resistant in the environment and can spread through direct and indirect contact with infected pigs, pig products as well as contaminated farm equipment, feed and clothing. The good news is that ASF is not currently in Canada.
Senator Gold, my question to you is this: What is the government doing to prepare in the event ASF reaches this country and the Canadian pork industry, and what plans are in place to ensure the security of the industry?
Thank you for that important question. African swine fever is a real risk and threat. Thank goodness it has not arrived.
To prevent the introduction of swine diseases concerned — including African swine fever — into our country, Canada has had rigorous import restrictions in place for live swine and swine-related products and by-products for some time now. In addition, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is monitoring the global situation and is taking a proactive and collaborative approach to prevent ASF from being introduced in Canada.
The government has also initiated additional preparedness planning through a national response team that is dedicated to ensuring appropriate laboratory and field response capacity are maintained in Canada.
