Federal Government provides emergency access to vaccine for hogs

Federal Government provides emergency access to vaccine for hogs Vaccine will help pork industry to respond to the threat posed by porcine epidemic diarrhea

January 30, 2014, Ottawa: Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced today that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is prepared to issue permits to authorize veterinarians to import the iPED+ vaccine for use in Canadian pig herds.

The manufacturer's preliminary studies have shown that vaccinated pigs develop antibodies against the porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) virus.

It will be available for use in Canada under veterinary supervision in pigs as a precautionary measure against PED.

Quick Facts

The Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada continues to work with provincial counterparts and industry stakeholders to ensure coordinated leadership on the response to this disease.

Swine producers should contact their veterinarians about the vaccine.

Veterinarians can apply for an import permit for the vaccine immediately.

To date the Federal Government has invested over $29 million to help industry prepare to mitigate risks related to swine diseases, including the development and implementation of on-farm biosecurity standards and best management practices.

There are no food safety or human health concerns associated with this disease.

Quotes

"Our Government remains committed to ensuring the health of Canada's valuable agriculture sector. Today's announcement is another step in the CFIA's continuous efforts to work with the provinces to prevent PED from spreading in Canada." - The Honourable Gerry Ritz- Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"We are working closely with pork farmers to ensure that effective biosecurity measures are in place and will continue in assisting with any monitoring, diagnostic and technical support as needed." - The Honourable Maxime Bernier - Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism, and Agriculture)

"Farmers need access to whatever tools are available to fight this virus. Producers appreciate the work by both federal and provincial governments to support the industry and need to emphasize that producers need to do everything they can on farm through their due diligence and biosecurity efforts limit the spread of the PED virus." -Jean-Guy Vincent, Chair - Canadian Pork Council

Media Relations

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Canadian Food Inspection Agency
613-773-6600
Jeff English
Director of Communications
The Office of Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture
613-773-1059