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Canada’s Early Detection Surveillance Program for African Swine Fever Expands to Wild Pigs
August 13, 2024
Wild pigs are considered an invasive species in Canada. Not only do they cause ecological damage, wildlife habitat destruction, crop damage and human safety concerns, they can spread and be a reservoir for diseases that pose a risk to wildlife and livestock. One of the biggest concerns is African swine fever (ASF), which causes severe disease in pigs – nearly 100% of infected pigs will die from certain strains of the virus.
ASF is currently not present in Canada. If it was, it would have a devastating effect on swine herds, the industry, the trade of Canadian pork products, and the Canadian economy. Early detection of ASF is crucial to quickly contain and minimize impacts.
It is why CanSpotASF, an early detection surveillance program for ASF in Canada, has expanded its diagnostic screening to include invasive wild pigs sampling.
Find more information here.