The CanSpotASF is a voluntary program that is part of the unprecedented collaboration between Animal Health Canada, federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and the pig industry to proactively enhance African swine fever (ASF) planning, preparedness, and readiness for response in Canada.
The program already works with approved animal diagnostic laboratories and provincial and federal abattoirs to detect ASF early in commercial swine and is now expanding to collect invasive wild pig samples. The CanSpotASF program is encouraging wildlife officers, trappers, veterinarians, or others to submit invasive wild pig sample materials whenever possible.
"Early detection is critical to protecting Canada’s swine herds from ASF," says Dr. Mary Jane Ireland, Canada’s Chief Veterinary Officer. "By expanding the CanSpotASF program to include wild pig sampling, Canada significantly enhances our detection capabilities. This initiative supports trade and strengthens testing systems, making them more robust and well-practiced, ready to be deployed effectively in the event of an outbreak. Collaborative efforts across all levels of government and engagement with industry are essential to maintaining the health and safety of Canada's pigs."
July 30, 2024/ Animal Health Canada/ Canada.
https://animalhealthcanada.ca/