6 Story Idea? Contact Paul.Nolan@Farms.com Better Pork | June 2024 SQUEAL ON PIGS Wild pigs are no laughing matter. They threaten the environment, destroy pastures, eat crops, and, oh yes, they could also be carrying a fatal pig disease. Since spreading from Europe and Asia to North America, wild pigs have been wreaking havoc across Canada. While the problem is a source of pain for farmers, the nationwide response should be a source of pride. “We have a 10-year strategy that involves working with industry groups and governments to combat the issue,” explains Colleen McElwain, executive director of Animal Health Canada. “One of our chief concerns is the potential for wild pigs to contract African Swine Fever and transmit it to commercial pigs, which could potentially close borders for trade for Canadian producers.” The strategies include tracking wild pigs to establish a baseline, raising awareness of the need to report sightings, and offering advice on removing them from your area. Central to these efforts is collaborating with the Canadian Council on Invasive Species, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and provincial pork boards on a united front. No ‘I’ in ‘team’ This team approach was on full display at the recent Wild Pig Summit in Brandon, MB. Organized by Animal Health Canada’s Emergency Management division, along with Assiniboine Community College and Squeal on Pigs! Manitoba/Manitoba Pork, the event aimed to spotlight the problem of wild pigs in relation to ASF and share best practices on combating them. Canada is also engaging with other countries to find solutions. In 2019, 150 leaders and decision-makers from government and industry from 15 WHILE EACH PROVINCE HAS A DIFFERENT STRATEGY, THEY SHARE A COMMON ENEMY AND GOAL. A TEAM APPROACH TO COMBAT WILD PIGS By GEOFF GEDDES brunok1 - stock.adobe.com
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