13 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | April 2024 meeting quarterly to discuss emerging issues in swine health.” As part of the meetings, CSHIN takes input from The Community for Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases (CEZD). That group is “a virtual network that includes representatives from federal, provincial and municipal governments, academia and the private sector who have an expertise in public, animal and environmental health. “CEZD focuses on emerging international swine diseases of concern that could threaten Canada and North America in the future,” explains Dr. Arsenault. “It gathers the latest data to help us build knowledge and prepare for the worst, and that’s exactly what it did in the case of JEV.” Such early warning activities are critical, as the faster the industry detects a disease threat, the more we can limit the damage. With JEV, this would mean controlling mosquito populations that could carry and transmit the virus. “Similar to West Nile virus, we would want to eliminate areas where mosquitoes breed near pig farms, such as low-standing water sources,” says Dr. Arsenault. “Obviously, producers should avoid having a pond adjacent to their facilities. We could also look at controlling mosquitoes through spraying, though that is the least desirable mechanism given its effect on the environment.” Not all mosquitoes carry JEV, with two types responsible for the bulk of the infection, so industry could also mitigate the fallout by focusing on the main culprits. At the federal level, the Government of Canada is doing its part to prepare. In the event that JEV is detected here, a series of measures, including an epidemiological investigation and control measures, would be implemented to mitigate its impact. According to a CFIA spokesperson, “intensified surveillance efforts would target animals and disease vectors (mosquitoes) to promptly identify and monitor the spread of the virus within the country. Swift response and coordination among various authorities, including the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), provinces and territories, would allow for a cohesive response. PHAC would lead on measures related to public health.” While vaccines have been a gamechanger for both human and animal disease, they might not be the answer with this pathogen. “To date, swine vaccination against JEV has not been widely practised in countries at risk,” says Dr. Arsenault. “The cost is high and there is a limited window to vaccinate effectively, both of which have limited the uptake.” As with many aspects of daily life, climate change could also exacerbate the problem of JEV. “As the climate in North America becomes more favourable to vectors (carriers) of this disease, the risk continues to grow,” says Dr. Brockhoff. “Though there is still much to learn, there is clearly a link between the movement of mosquito-borne diseases and climate change.” In the meantime, the Canadian pork sector will work to stay on top of developments with JEV and continue to assess the threat. “This is one swine disease that we certainly have on our radar,” says Dr. Brockhoff. “In my role with the veterinary council of the CPC, I speak about JEV regularly when talking about potential risks in 2024, ’25, ’26, and beyond. Like the U.S. pork industry, we plan to be ever-watchful and see what happens from here. “At this point, that’s about all we can do.” BP Let her robust genetic nature nurture more pigs and profits for you. NATUREVS.& Camborough® Learn how PIC is strengthening the natural mothering ability of the Camborough® with cutting-edge technologies. PIC.com | 800-661-1543 PIC.ca.info@genusplc.com ©PIC 2024. THREAT OF JEV GEOFF GEDDES Geoff is a freelance writer and editor specializing in agriculture. He is based in Edmonton and has written for farm magazines, blogs, websites and social media.
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