Ottawa, ON) – 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 Chair 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,” added Vincent. “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: