Canada invests in porcine disease control, eradication

Canada has invested $294,500 under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program to provide tools, coordination and funds to initiate small-scale projects for controlling and eradicating porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. The collaborative two-year Ontario project, coordinated by the Ontario Pork Industry Council's Swine Health Advisory Board, will involve producers, veterinarians and the industry, and will pilot a strategy for advanced biosecurity and disease control. Over the long term, the project will improve strategies used by producers and service providers to reduce the transmission of PRRS. The project will eventually serve as a model for other provinces, with the results shared with industry and the Canadian Swine Health Board. "This funding will allow the Advisory Board to provide ongoing leadership to develop PRRS area regional control and elimination projects here in Ontario," said Dr. Jane Carpenter, OSHAB's lead on this project. "This approach is unique in that it allows for grassroots engagement by producers who are ready to implement change in areas throughout Ontario whether it is a control or elimination program." PRRS is estimated to cost the Canadian industry $130 million annually.