The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) confirmed on July 28 that African Swine Fever (ASF) was detected in samples collected from pigs in the Dominican Republic, through an existing cooperative surveillance program. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has since affirmed its support for the Dominican Republic’s efforts to manage the issue. To date, no cases of ASF have ever been found in Canada or the U.S.
There is no imminent threat of ASF arriving in Alberta, but it is important for all producers to recognize the potentially devastating consequences for our industry if ASF does, indeed, enter our province, country, or the U.S, especially. Caution and diligence are highly important at this time. Alberta Pork is urging all producers to exercise vigilance and strictly adhere to all biosecurity protocols. Alberta Pork’s Production Team performs biosecurity audits and provides information and resources free-of-charge for all registered producers.
The Dominican Republic is an island nation in the Caribbean, sharing a short land border with Haiti but no other countries. The Dominican Republic is a popular travel destination for some Canadians, and international traffic between the Dominican Republic and Canada is considered a risk factor for spreading ASF. As a result, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has added the Dominican Republic to its list of countries screening specifically for ASF, in line with an approach taken by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. No known swine feed ingredients, veterinary medicines or pork products are exported from the Dominican Republic to Canada.
Alberta Pork, with our partners across Canada and North America, will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as required.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Javier Bahamon, Quality Assurance and Production Manager, Alberta Pork by email at javier.bahamon@albertapork.com or by phone at 780-469-8982, toll-free at 1-877-247-PORK (7675).
