August 26, 2022
Manitoba Pork commends Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the federal government on today’s announcement of a new $45.3 million investment to help prevent and prepare for a potential outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). ASF has not yet been found in Manitoba or in Canada, however its presence would have devastating impacts on the sector, the thousands of jobs it provides in Manitoba, and to both the provincial and Canadian economy.
“The detection of African swine fever in our country would be catastrophic for both Manitoba and Canada’s hog sector,” said Manitoba Pork chair Rick Préjet. “Manitoba’s hog farmers are pleased that the federal government recognizes the threat that this disease poses not only to our sector, but our economy as well. We are committed to working in close collaboration across our sector, and with our partners at all levels of government to prevent African swine fever from reaching Canada, while also working to ensure that we have plans to mitigate potential impacts the best we can.”
Today’s funding announcement includes $23.4 million to support the sector’s already robust prevention and mitigation efforts, $19.8 million to support of the efforts of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and $2.1 million to enhance the work of Canada Border Services Agency on border control activities.
It is important to note that ASF does not pose a health risk to humans, other animals, or the food system, and it has not been detected in pigs in Canada. ASF is currently spreading throughout countries in Europe and Asia and was discovered last year in the Dominican Republic.
Manitoba Pork is the representative organization for all pork producers in Manitoba. Our mission is to foster the sustainability and prosperity of the hog sector for the good of pork producers and all Manitobans.
For further information:
Communications and Website Coordinator
Manitoba Pork
(204) 232-4916
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28 Terracon Place
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R2J 4G7
Tel: (204) 237-7447
Toll-Free: 1-888-893-7447
Fax: (204) 237-9831
www.manitobapork.com
