CanSpotASF

African swine fever (ASF) can cause severe disease and mortality in swine. ASF is not present in Canada at this time, however outbreaks in other parts of the world and international movement of people and goods increase the risk that the disease could arrive in Canada. If ASF is introduced in any pig in Canada, borders will close, and trade of live pigs and pork products will stop.

ASF is a reportable disease, meaning veterinarians, producers, and farm staff are required to contact the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) immediately if the disease is suspected.

Early detection is needed, so ASF can be quickly contained and minimize negative impacts.

CanSpotASF: A national surveillance program for early detection of African swine fever

CanSpotASF is the national surveillance program for early detection of African swine fever (ASF) in swine in Canada. It is meant to be an enhanced surveillance activity that aims to protect the commercial swine sector. CanSpotASF is a voluntary program implemented across Canada. 

Surveillance Tools

CanSpotASF provides tools for ASF surveillance. They are:

  1. Risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories
  2. Risk based early detection condemnation testing at abattoirs
  3. Invasive Wild Pig surveillance – in development

Collaboration

The surveillance program is a collaboration between:

  • The swine industry
  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency
  • CAHSN animal health laboratories
  • Provincial governments
  • The Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network (CSHIN) including the regional networks Réseau d’alerte et d’information zoosanitaire (RAIZO), the Ontario Animal Health Network (OAHN), the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network (CWSHIN), and the Atlantic provinces
  • Animal Health Canada
  • The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC).

CanSpotASF is a program under the direction of the ASF Executive Management Board (ASF EMB); a board that brings together federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) governments and industry representatives to provide guidance and prioritize activities across FPT governments and industry to address the risk of ASF introduction and establishment in Canada. The EMB has been working together on the Pan-Canadian ASF Action Plan and activities that fall under the four framework pillars. The surveillance program is under Pillar 2: Preparedness planning. Learn more.

Learn more about the CanSpotASF program: