Canadian Government Helps Keep Pork Industry Healthy [Edited]

January 18, 2012 — 

Canadian pork producers will benefit from an investment of $294,500 to initiate small-scale projects for controlling and eradicating viral disease in pork. Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren announced the investment at the Southwest Agricultural Conference.

The investment of $294,500 under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) will provide tools, coordination and funds to initiate small-scale projects for controlling and eradicating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). PRRS is a disease that causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young pigs. The disease costs the Canadian industry an estimated $130 million per year.

The collaborative two-year project will involve producers, veterinarians and industry and will pilot a strategy for advanced biosecurity and disease control. Over the long term, the project will improve strategies used by producers and service providers to reduce the transmission of PRRS. The project will be coordinated by the Ontario Pork Industry Council's Swine Health Advisory Board (OSHAB) and serve as a model for other provinces, with the results shared with industry and the Canadian Swine Health Board.

CAAP is a five-year (2009-2014), $163-million initiative that aims to help the Canadian agricultural sector adapt and remain competitive. In Ontario, CAAP is delivered by the Agricultural Adaptation Council (AAC).

Source: MarketWatch.com, January 4, 2012