Stronger Together: How Collaboration Is Transforming Swine Disease Preparedness in Western Canada

The Saskatchewan pork sector is entering a new era of disease preparedness as producers, veterinarians, and government partners work more closely than ever to guard against both endemic and foreign animal diseases.

At the recent Saskatchewan Pork Industry Symposium 2025 in Saskatoon, provincial leaders highlighted how coordination and communication across the industry have strengthened dramatically over the past decade. The message was clear: no single group can tackle swine disease alone.

A Shift Toward Shared Responsibility

According to Saskatchewan’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Stephanie Smith, one of the biggest changes in modern animal health management is the move toward industry-wide integration. Collaboration isn’t just encouraged — it’s becoming the standard.

Canada’s evolving structures, including national and provincial surveillance networks and the development of Animal Health Canada, are enabling faster information flow, better detection of disease trends, and more consistent strategies across regions.

“These partnerships give us a clearer picture of what’s happening across the country,” Dr. Smith noted during discussions at the symposium. “Strong surveillance and strong relationships allow us to respond more effectively.”

Biosecurity Still the First Line of Defense

While new tools and networks continue to evolve, the fundamentals remain unchanged: biosecurity is the backbone of disease prevention.