African Swine Fever
Stay Informed. Protect Your Herd.
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs. There is no vaccine for ASF. It can spread between pigs through contact with other infected pigs or pork products, as well as contaminated farm equipment, feed and clothing.
While Canada does not have any cases at this time, the risk of ASF remains a serious concern. An outbreak would trigger immediate trade restrictions, closing key export markets and causing significant financial losses for pork producers.
Recognizing the Signs of ASF
Daily herd checks are the first line of defence. ASF symptoms include:
- High fever
- Weakness & inability to stand
- Vomiting & diarrhea
- Reddening of the skin
- Bloody, foamy, or mucoid nasal discharge
Nasal discharge
Redness of distal limbs
Redness of perineal skin
If you suspect ASF or any unusual illness in your pigs, contact your herd veterinarian and Alberta Pork immediately .
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) will be notified, and testing will be conducted to confirm or rule out ASF.
Production During a Disease Event
Follow this practical guide for marketing hogs during a reportable disease outbreak. This framework helps producers assess disease status, comply with movement controls, protect animal welfare, and determine the safest path forward.
Step 1
Detection and Initial Response
Is a reportable disease suspected on your farm?
Yes
- Immediately contact your herd veterinarian, Alberta Pork, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA)
- Stop all movement of pigs, vehicles, equipment, and personnel on or off the farm.
- Begin enhanced on-farm biosecurity measures including controlled and restricted access zones (CAZ and RAZ)
- Proceed to Step 2
No
- Continue normal operations while maintaining routine biosecurity
- Stay informed through Alberta Pork and CFIA updates
Early reporting, clear communication, and disciplined biosecurity are the foundation of outbreak response.
Step 2
Disease Status and Zoning
Has the disease been confirmed on your premises?
Yes — Infected Premises (IP)
- Your farm will be placed under immediate quarantine
- CFIA will lead response actions, and a joint incident command team will support your farm
- A phased cull and disposal plan will be implemented
- Movement control zones will be established based on risk assessment
- No marketing of pigs is permitted
Confidentiality is crucial—disclose the situation only to relevant staff and officials.
No — Located in a Control Zone
- Movement restrictions apply
- CFIA permits are required for any pig movement
- Testing may be required prior to approval
- Proceed to Step 3
no — Outside Control Zones
- Movements may resume once permitted by authorities
- A permit is typically not required if movement stays outside control zones
- Proceed to Step 4
Movement Authorization
Has CFIA issued a movement permit?
Yes
- Pigs may be transported under strict conditions
- Movement is typically limited to authorized, designated slaughter facilities
- Follow all permit conditions and biosecurity requirements
- Proceed to Step 4.
No
- Movements cannot proceed
- Work with Alberta Pork and the incident command team to manage barn capacity and welfare on-farm
Step 4
Marketing and Prioritization
- Prioritize market-ready hogs for shipment first
- Delay or manage cull animals and younger pigs as needed
- Confirm processor availability before shipping
- Ensure manifests are submitted to Alberta Pork within 48 hours
- If processing capacity is limited, explore authorized in-zone plants or humane disposal options under provincial guidance
Edmergency Diets
Adjusting feed can slow growth by up to 71% and extend finishing times by 3.5–4 weeks without compromising animal welfare. Consult your nutritionist in advance to formulate emergency diets tailored to your farm.
Step 5
Enhanced Biosecurity Requirements
- Restrict access to essential personnel only and maintain visitor logs
- Clearly define and enforce Controlled Access Zones (CAZ) and Restricted Access Zones (RAZ)
- Limit movement of animals, supplies, and personnel
- Increase daily monitoring of herd health and report concerns immediately