Monday, March 24, 2014

Pork council aims to eradicate PED


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.