4 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | December 2024 national pork HEADLINES AVIAN INFLUENZA DETECTED IN PIG IS CONCERNING At the end of October the USDA confirmed avian influenza in a pig on an Oregon farm, marking the first known instance of the virus in U.S. swine. The farm was a “backyard” operation in Crook County, where poultry had previously tested positive. Canadian veterinarian Dr. Nicole Burello has been watching the situation closely. “Finding the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in pigs is concerning to not only the pork industry but other livestock industries as well,” Burello told Better Pork. “Influenza viruses are able to mutate rapidly, even between different species, which also could include humans. It has the potential to be the next epidemic.” U.S. officials quarantined the Oregon farm, and all five pigs on the property were euthanized to facilitate thorough testing. USDA representatives emphasized that this isolated case poses no risk to the commercial pork supply or public health. (At press time a B.C. teen was being treated for a presumptive case of avian flu, the first known case in Canada. Officials were working to find the source of exposure.) Pigs carrying multiple flu strains can act as “mixing vessels,” allowing avian strains to adapt for mammalian transmission. However, genetic analysis of the virus from the infected poultry revealed no mutations. Burello works at Tavistock Veterinarians in Ontario. She explained that she believes “the livestock sector is well-equipped to deal with outbreaks of different aetiologies. We’re very good at practising proper biosecurity measures on pig and poultry barns. “My biggest concern would be hobby farms, homesteads and sanctuaries that typically do not have proper biosecurity measures, where there’s mixing and interacting of animals of different species, and exposure to wild birds as animals are housed outside.” BP The Ontario Pork Congress (OPC) hosted its annual meeting on Oct. 22 at the Arden Park Hotel in Stratford, Ont. With over 35 in attendance, the meeting consisted of awards, updates and plans for the 2025 event (June 18 and 19 at the Rotary Complex in Stratford). Tara Terpstra, a Huron Country pork producer and chair of Ontario Pork, received the Ontario Pork Industry Leadership Award. According to the OPC, “The award is given to an individual who has given freely of his/her time and provided distinguished service to the Ontario Pork Industry. This award is open to research, extension, education and industry personnel involved in any facet of pork production, promotion, and marketing.” Veronica Anderson of Topigs Norsvin Canada nominated and accepted the award on behalf of Terpstra. “Tara is a powerhouse of a woman in the pork industry – I have seen her dedicated work through Ontario Pork and always remain impressed with her ability to balance her contributions to the industry with raising a family. If anyone is a leader and deserving of this award, it’s Tara.” The meeting also discussed the Ontario Pork Industry Council Hog Jog, which was held in May in conjunction with the 2024 OPC. Over $67,000 was raised for the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth Serenity Garden project. What’s in store for this year at the annual Ontario Pork Congress? According to the OPC, there will be several updates this year: “The Food and Hospitality tent is back by popular demand this year; look for even more atmosphere, an opportunity to network and great Ontario pork to eat! “The popular Taste the Best event will again occur on the show's first day. “The Bacon Maker Classic will be at the Pork Congress with an adult showmanship class and will include a separate education area.” BP - Mary Loggan & Glenn Ruegg ONTARIO PORK CONGRESS UPDATE Pork Congress photo The 2025 OPC Executive Committee: Front: Abel Lopez, David Ross, Henry Groenestege, Joe Dwyer (on the tablet), and Victoria Stewart. Back: Matt Aarts, Doug Ahrens, Drew De Bruyn, and Kirk McLean.
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