SHIC Engages with Canadian Group for ASF Research Priorities

February 5, 2020 — Paul Sundberg

Swine Innovation Porc, a non-profit corporation in Canada, facilitates research in the Canadian swine sector. Their goal is enhancing the profitability and sustainability of the Canadian pork industry. In 2019, Swine Innovation Porc developed a Coordinated African Swine Fever (ASF) Research Working Group and the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) was invited to participate. Over six months, the ASF Working Group created an ASF-related research priorities document which was completed in December 2019. The Canadian Pork Council will use the document in its strategic planning activities for ASF. Coordination with our international neighbor proves valuable as both countries work to achieve prevention and preparedness.

As this process began, the ASF Working Group developed a framework outlining four pillars:

• Preparedness Planning
• Enhanced Biosecurity
• Ensure Business Continuity
• Coordinated Risk Communications

This outline resulted in collection of information regarding research gaps in addressing the threat of ASF which was provided to the ASF Working Group, a value to the US pork industry, as well. The Group facilitates coordination between scientific experts, industry leaders, and Canadian federal agency partners.

Funded by America's pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd, SHIC focuses its efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research for the benefit of swine health. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit http://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at psundberg@swinehealth.org.

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Paul Sundberg, Executive Director, Swine Health Information Center