The Canadian
Pork Council says its goal is to eradicate Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus from
Canada
In the
meantime, it says farmers must do everything possible to prevent its spread.
“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,” said
council 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.
“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 PED
from Canada,” Vincent said.
“The
elimination of PED in Canada can be accomplished by working with our American
counterparts and through the continuing collaboration with, federal and
provincial goverments, veterinary practitioners and the stable participation of
the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).”
A vision
to stop and eliminate PEDv was discussed at an industry roundtable in Ottawa
hosted by CFIA. The industry identified seven areas to focus on:
•
open communications
among stakeholders;
•
biosecurity
both for on farm and off;
•
ongoing active
surveillance and reporting;
•
transports
measures, including at the border;
•
clarity
of the PEDv risks associated with feed;
•
research to
address PEDv knowledge gaps, and
•
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, the council said.
