The federal government is investing $45.3 million to continue its efforts to keep African Swine Fever(ASF) out of the Country. Manitoba Pork General Manager Cam Dahl says that while ASF Doesn't pose a risk to humans or other animals, the effects of an outbreak would be catastrophic for the industry.
"Other countries close off if you have cases of African Swine Fever and we've seen that in countries like Germany and Poland that used to be strong exporters, and don't have a market for their product anymore. So if it ever were to arrive in Canada we would instantly lose all of our export markets, and in Manitoba, 90 percent of the pork we produce is exported."
Dahl says the money will be distributed in a way that will strengthen prevention efforts already in place.
"Showing Collaboration between the industry efforts, around things like biosecurity to prevent the disease from reaching us, as well as with an organization like the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. So it's a really positive announcement aimed at preventing what would be a multi-billion dollar disaster."
$23.4 million of the investment will support the sector’s already robust prevention and mitigation efforts, $19.8 million will be used to support the efforts of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and $2.1 million to enhance the work of the Canada Border Services Agency on border control activities.
