Canada’s early detection surveillance program for African swine fever expands to wild pigs

Elora, ON – Wild pigs are considered an invasive species in Canada. Not only do they cause ecological damage, wildlife habitat destruction, crop damage and human safety concerns, they can spread and be a reservoir for diseases that pose a risk to wildlife and livestock. One of the biggest concerns is African swine fever (ASF), which causes severe disease in pigs – nearly 100% of infected pigs will die from certain strains of the virus.

ASF is currently not present in Canada. If it was, it would have a devastating effect on swine herds, the industry, the trade of Canadian pork products, and the Canadian economy. Early detection of ASF is crucial to quickly contain and minimize impacts.

It is why CanSpotASF, an early detection surveillance program for ASF in Canada, has expanded its diagnostic screening to include invasive wild pigs sampling.

“The CanSpotASF program already works with approved animal diagnostic laboratories and with provincial and federal abattoirs to ensure we can detect ASF early in commercial swine,” says Erica Charlton, Emergency Management Division Director at Animal Health Canada (AHC). “Expanding to collect invasive wild pig samples is another step to ensure we can detect the African swine fever virus sooner to avoid any spread in Canada.”

The CanSpotASF program is encouraging wildlife officers, trappers, veterinarians or others to submit invasive wild pig sample materials whenever possible. You can find information on how to do this at AnimalHealthCanada.ca/CanSpotASF.

ASF testing by approved laboratories on eligible cases will be paid for by the provinces in which the invasive wild pigs are found and by the federal government in some circumstances.

“Expanding the CanSpotASF program to include wild pig sampling is a crucial step,” says René Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council. “Early detection through this comprehensive surveillance allows Canada to act swiftly, minimizing the risk of ASF outbreaks and protecting the livelihoods of farmers and the stability of our national economy. This initiative underscores the importance of collaboration and vigilance in maintaining the health of Canada’s swine herds.”

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

"Early detection is critical to protecting Canada’s swine herds from ASF," says Dr. Mary Jane Ireland, Canada’s Chief Veterinary Officer. "By expanding the CanSpotASF program to include wild pig sampling, Canada significantly enhances our detection capabilities. This initiative supports trade and strengthens testing systems, making them more robust and well-practiced, ready to be deployed effectively in the event of an outbreak. Collaborative efforts across all levels of government and engagement with industry are essential to maintaining the health and safety of Canada's pigs."

CanSpotASF is a voluntary program that is part of the unprecedented collaboration between Animal Health Canada, federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and the pig industry to proactively enhance ASF planning, preparedness, and readiness for response in Canada.

The surveillance program is a collaborative initiative under Animal Health Canada between the Canadian Pork Council and Canadian Meat Council, provincial swine industry, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, provincial governments, Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network laboratories, Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians, the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, Canadian universities, the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network including the regional networks Réseau d’alerte et d’information zoosanitaire, the Ontario Animal Health Network, the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network, and the Atlantic provinces.

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Animal Health Canada is the only national organization that brings together industry, federal, provincial, and territorial partners to provide collaborative guidance on a cohesive, functional, and responsive farmed animal health and welfare system in Canada. For more information, visit https://animalhealthcanada.ca.

For further information:

Tanya Frye
Communications Manager
Animal Health Canada
(613) 302-2671
tfrye@animalhealthcanada.ca