African Swine Fever - Animal Health Canada

What is ASF?

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a virus that only infects pigs, it is not harmful to humans. The virus causes severe disease in pigs – more than 95% of pigs that are infected will die. ASF spreads through both direct and indirect contact with infected pigs or products containing pork, as well as contaminated farm equipment, feed and clothing. It poses a significant risk to the health of the Canadian swine herd, pork industry and the Canadian economy.

ASF has been spreading rapidly throughout countries in Europe, Asia and Africa over the past 2.5 years. To date, no countries in North America have detected ASF. In Canada, ASF is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. All suspected cases must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

Enhancing ASF prevention and response planning and preparedness

The coordination of Canada's ASF planning, preparedness and readiness for response sits with Animal Health Canada. An ASF Coordination team will work hard at developing connections with all levels of ASF planning including national, provincial and industry organizations within Canada. The team's main objective will be to continue to move ASF planning and preparedness initiatives in a forward direction while ensuring that deliverables are meeting associated timelines.

A progress report on activities accomplished was published March 2023. The tangible results from the working group activities have led to additional recommendations to continue the important work of the Pan-Canadian Action Plan on ASF.

Funding from the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s African Swine Fever Industry Preparedness Program until March 2025 will support the continued ASF preparedness planning, such as the prevention and control of African swine fever through wild pigs, indigenous engagement, and communication plans.