African Swine Fever

African Swine Fever (ASF)

What is ASF?

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a virus that only infects pigs, it is not harmful to humans. The virus causes severe disease in pigs – more than 95% of pigs that are infected will die. ASF spreads through both direct and indirect contact with infected pigs or products containing pork, as well as contaminated farm equipment, feed and clothing. It poses a significant risk to the health of the Canadian swine herd, pork industry and the Canadian economy.

ASF has been spreading rapidly throughout countries in Europe, Asia and Africa over the past 2.5 years. To date, no countries in North America have detected ASF. In Canada, ASF is a reportable disease under the Health of Animals Act. All suspected cases must be reported to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).

The coordination of Canada's ASF planning, preparedness and readiness for response sits with the Council. On April 1, 2021 Dr. Christa Arsenault started in a one-year term position with the Council as the National ASF Coordinator. Over the next year Christa and her team will work hard at developing connections with all levels of ASF planning including national, provincial and industry organizations within Canada. The team's main objective will be to continue to move ASF planning and preparedness initiatives in a forward direction while ensuring that deliverables are meeting associated timelines.

ASF Coordination Team:

 

ASF in the News

Notice! Our organization has changed names to Animal Health Canada as of January 10, 2022. You might notice some historical documents developed prior to Jan 10, 2022 (newsletters, legacy documents etc.) still reference our prior name, the National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council.