4 The Business of Canadian Hog Farming Better Pork | June 2024 national pork HEADLINES PORK PRODUCERS CONCERNED ABOUT U.S. V-COOL LAW The pork industry continues to express its concerns about the implications of the proposed voluntary country of origin labelling (V-COOL) on pork trade between the U.S. and Canada. The policy is scheduled to come into effect on Jan. 1, 2026, and will require that meat products sold with a “Product of the U.S.A.” label be derived from animals raised, slaughtered, and processed in the U.S. “The integration within our industry on both sides of the border has been a point of pride for us, and for our American counterparts at the National Pork Producers Council,” said Canadian Pork Council chair René Roy in a recent release from the organization. “These changes, like the original mandatory policy successfully challenged at the World Trade Organization, will have an impact on trade in the integrated Canada/U.S. market, and we are again expressing our disappointment that the final rule did not consider the concerns expressed by Canada and by our American colleagues.” If preferred by U.S. consumers, this labelling could be perceived as a trade barrier for the Canadian pork industry. The original mandatory COOL law was repealed in 2015 to address this concern and avoid potential tariffs from Canada and Mexico. “Despite being labelled as ‘voluntary,’ Manitoba Pork is concerned that the same discrimination will occur when these new regulations are implemented,” said Manitoba Pork chair Rick Préjet in Manitoba Pork’s recent release. “We call on Canada to consider all of the potential options to correct the protectionist nature of these proposed regulations, and we ask the Government of Manitoba to support a strong response to protect our market access.” BP Swine Health Ontario and Ontario Pork recently reminded producers and transporters to be mindful of biosecurity as cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) and porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCOV) are on the rise. An April release shared disease updates for producers and transporters, as well as resources for tracking the spread of the diseases. The documents currently attribute the increase in cases since the beginning of 2024 to the movement of animals and people. There have been 10 cases of PED and 21 cases of PDCOV reported since January 1. Senecavirus A has also been reported at a farm in Quebec. “As we approach planting season, particular care should be taken around manure spreading and cleaning of farm equipment that might be moving between properties. When hiring third-party manure spreading companies, ensure they are aware of your biosecurity requirements,” states the producer update. The transporter update also notes, “There may be increased risk for picking up manure along roadways and in farmyards. Particular care should be taken on farms to ensure particulates are not transferred into the barns.” Further recommendations for improvement of biosecurity in pig barns included limiting access to essential visits, having dedicated clothing for inside a barn, implementing a Danish entry or shower-in, shower-out protocol, and securing barns against wildlife. Symptoms of PED and PDCOV can present as watery diarrhea, vomiting, and going off feed in sows. In piglets it can appear as diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, thin appearance, and high mortality. If symptoms are present, producers should report potential cases to their vet and conduct rule-out testing. Transporters should remember to be cautious of assembly yards and processing plants. They should know if the pigs on the load are shedding disease to ensure the trailer is properly disinfected after transport. They should thoroughly clean both the trailer and the tractor, as well as the wash bay to avoid contamination. BP - Emily Croft REMINDER TO PRIORITIZE BIOSECURITY Jodie Aldred photo
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