March 31, 2014
Canada to intensify biosecurity measures against PEDv
The Ontario Swine Health Advisory Board chairman, Doug MacDougald is calling for a united Canadian and US effort to increase swine biosecurity and a national strategy is needed to work with the USDA and other US groups to prevent more porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDv) outbreaks.
Canadian Pork producers continue to take preventative measures to slow viruses like PEDv from affecting Canada''s herd health. PEDv poses no risk to human health or food safety but it is a devastating production virus that producers must make it a priority to consider all preventative measures that can reduce the risk of transmission.
"Producers have worked hard to implement emergency response plans and increase biosecurity measures but now have to work even harder protect Canada''s herd health," stated Canadian Pork Council''s (CPC) chairman Jean-Guy Vincent. "Unfortunately, there are some things that are out of the control of the producers such as the potential cross contamination of feed ingredients and of trucks involved in the transportation of live animals."
He added that the pork industry has to consider all information that is currently available and take every step possible to stop the spread of this virus and eliminate PEDvfrom Canada.
A vision to stop and eliminate PEDv was discussed at an industry roundtable in Ottawa hosted by Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). The industry identified seven areas to focus on: (1) Open communications among stakeholders; (2) Biosecurity both for on farm and off; (3) Ongoing active surveillance and reporting; (4) Transports measures, including at the border; (5) Clarity of the PEDv risks associated with feed; (6) Research to address PEDv knowledge gaps; and (7) Supporting PEDv containment and elimination.
The provincial PEDv emergency response plans developed are effective and significant steps have been taken to help reduce the risk of the virus being spread in Canada. Producers are encouraged to increase their due diligence and use the tools and best information available to prevent the spread of this virus. The seven areas identified and discussed at the industry roundtable are gaps that need to be address if the industry intends to stop and eliminate PEDv in Canada.
The CPC serves as the national voice for hog producers in Canada. It is a federation of nine provincial pork industry associations, with a purpose to play a leadership role in achieving and maintaining a dynamic and prosperous Canadian porksector.