OTTAWA, ONTARIO — Canada’s government announced an investment of C$9.6 million to fund 29 African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program (ASFIPP) projects. The projects will take place across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

“Animal diseases, including African swine fever, are a serious threat to Canada’s pork sector, and it’s vitally important that all orders of government and industry take steps to prevent and prepare,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s minister of Agriculture and Agri-food. “These projects are a key part of Canada’s efforts to prevent an ASF outbreak while ensuring our pork sector is ready to respond.”

Since 2018, ASF has spread through parts of Asia and Europe. The Caribbean also detected the disease in 2021. To date, ASF has not been detected in Canada. However, as a contagious and deadly viral disease spreading across the globe, it poses a significant threat to the health of the Canadian swine herd, the pork industry and the Canadian economy.

The investment will fund ASF research, improved biosecurity measures, wild pig management activities, retrofits of existing slaughterhouses, regional preparation for the welfare depopulation and disposal of healthy hogs, and sector analysis, engagement and education tools. Additionally, it will help ensure the sector is prepared should a case be detected. 

If the disease was detected in Canada, the country would immediately stop exports of pork products and live pigs, which generates over C$24 billion for the country’s economy.

In 2022, Canada launched ASFIPP with initial funding of C$23.4 million to prepare for the possible outbreak of ASF. ASFIPP is still accepting applications.

“This initiative, and its proactive approach, underscores our commitment to invest in advanced technologies, rigorous training, and collaborative partnerships to fortify our defenses against African Swine Fever and other potential threats,” said René Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council. “This strategic focus not only protects our swine producers and their livelihoods but also upholds Canada’s reputation as a reliable supplier of safe and high-quality pork products globally.”