CFIA to Ramp up Swine Disease Tests at Packers

January 14, 2011 — 

Blood testing of livestock at pork plants to monitor Canada's hog herd for three major swine diseases will soon be done on an ongoing, rather than occasional, basis.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency announced January 11 that blood samples will be "regularly collected and tested" starting this month for porcine brucellosis, trichinellosis and pseudorabies, where previously the agency would run "periodic, large-scale surveys."

The agency said it will begin collecting blood samples from "mature" animals at Canadian slaughter facilities this month, and noted the testing process "will not disrupt regular animal marketing activities."

"Additional sample collection points" may also be identified as the surveillance system is further developed, CFIA said.

"The enhanced surveillance system will allow Canada to confidently demonstrate freedom from porcine brucellosis, trichinellosis and pseudorabies," which in turn is important to maintain market access for Canadian swine, swine semen and pork products, CFIA said.

A boosted surveillance system will also help protect human health, as brucellosis and trichinellosis can be transmitted to people, the agency said.

The Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Swine Health Board and Canadian Pork International have been "actively involved" in developing the stepped-up surveillance system. Provincial authorities are partnering with CFIA and the industry in the campaign.

Source: Alberta Farmer Express, 1/12/2011