Ontario Pork Industry Steps Up Biosecurity Under Special GF2 PED Program

The following is from an OSCIA media release:

Ontario pork producers and related businesses are better protecting pigs with more than 1,000 projects and $8.8 million from a special biosecurity program aimed at reducing the spread of the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) virus.

Producers are tackling more than 85 per cent of the projects, which include building or improving wash stalls, buying pressure washers for the barn, and/or buying heaters for the water in existing pressure washers.

Other farm projects include:
• Building or improving Danish entry systems (which have distinctly ‘clean’ and ‘dirty’ sides to maintain sanitary conditions inside the pig barn).
• Constructing separate driveways for incoming and outgoing vehicles.
• Improving deadstock-handling systems, including pouring concrete pads for composting.

Transporters, assembly yard owners and abattoir operators are also participating, with projects aimed at better cleaning and disinfection of trucks, and upgrading biosecurity systems at loading docks.

The special program is funded by the governments of Canada and Ontario through Growing Forward 2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. It is being delivered by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA).

“The pork industry’s tremendous response shows how seriously everyone is taking this disease, as well as their commitment to protecting themselves and the entire sector,” said Allan Mol, President of the OSCIA. “Best of all, the biosecurity measures taken under this program will protect against any disease, so its effects will be felt for years to come.”

Some participants are working on more than one project. Several are investing substantially more money in improving their biosecurity systems than was available through the program’s cost-share formula.

“The number of applications was impressive, especially given the tight timelines,” said OSCIA program manager John Laidlaw. “We had dedicated displays at many meetings and shows. Ontario Pork was also very helpful in providing information to their members and worked especially hard at getting transporters qualified to get in on the program.”

As of April 14, 2014, there were more than 50 confirmed cases of the PED virus in Ontario, since it was first identified on January 22, 2014. Industry and provincial government officials continue to encourage farmers and others to be vigilant and to maintain high biosecurity standards. Research is ongoing into possible sources for the disease (e.g. feed) and methods for boosting the swine herd’s immunity to the virus.

The PED virus is not a risk to human health or food safety. It is, however, a serious disease in swine production, which can cause 100 per cent mortality in piglets.

See the full release:

www.ontariosoilcrop.org/docs/ped_wrap-up_media_release.pdf

Vigilance and strong biosecurity by EVERYONE in the industry is imperative to the control of PED in Ontario

An Advisory from OMAF/MRA:

Industry Advisory

Animal Health and Welfare Branch

Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus

To date, the rate of PEDv infection continues to decline.  Currently, similar proportions of infections are being reported in finisher and farrow to finish/nursery operations. These infections may be the result of PEDv contaminated vehicles entering the premises, breaches in on-farm biosecurity and previously-infected younger animals moving through the production system. While it is suspected that PEDv initially entered Ontario in feed ingredients, the virus continues to circulate and remains an ongoing risk to the Ontario pork industry. The cooperation of all levels of industry and government has been essential in minimising the impacts of PED to the Ontario pork industry.   Vigilance and strong biosecurity at the farm level, diligent cleaning and disinfection by transporters, renderers, processors and other service providers will be imperative to reduce the viral load and prevent further dissemination of PEDv within Ontario and neighbouring provinces.

OMAF-funded research will soon begin at the Ontario Veterinary College to learn more from the PED outbreak experience.

PED has become established in the United States, and other pathogens like Delta coronavirus present new threats.  The efforts made to prevent the spread of PED must continue as regular business practices as the industry manages these risks and moves forward. Growing Forward 2 and OMAF funding to Ontario Pork will continue to strengthen efforts in the areas of greatest risk and provide the necessary infrastructure and education to help meet these challenges.  Federal officials continue to work with the USDA to reduce the risk of contaminated feed stuffs entering Canada.

PED is considered an emerging significant disease in Ontario, and veterinarians are still required to report suspect cases to OMAF under the Animal Health Act. OMAF will continue to cover the cost of diagnostic testing of clinical suspects at the Animal Health Laboratory until further notice, and will continue to offer support to veterinarians and their clients in the management of PED cases.  Testing of non-clinical or environmental samples will not be covered by OMAF.  Producers are encouraged to work with their veterinarian to prevent PEDv infections or to contain or eliminate the virus from infected farms.

For further information please contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food at 1-877-424-1300, or Ontario Pork at 1-877-ONT-PORK.
Resources on PED prevention and management are available from OMAF at www.ontario.ca/swine.

Deadstock Disposal Reminder

 A notice from Ontario Pork:

Despite best efforts, mortalities are inevitable and must be dealt with to safeguard everyone’s well-being. The alternative poses risks to environmental quality, animal health, and public health. Improper disposal of deadstock is also a sensitive public relations issue.

This winter has been difficult for disposal and pick up.  We ask that producers ensure dead stock is picked up in a timely manner.  There are several workable deadstock disposal options that can be put in place on the farm, even in cold weather.

Information is available outlining the four recommended on-farm deadstock disposal approaches: composting, use of a disposal vessel, burial and incineration. These approaches are approved under the deadstock regulation and are designed to minimize environmental risk.

www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/facts/peddisposal.htm

Regulations under the Nutrient Management Act state:
1. The dead farm animal must be monitored at least daily until it is collected.
2. The dead farm animal must be stored in a manner that:
i. prevents liquids that leak from the animal from escaping onto the ground,
ii. protects it from scavengers, rodents, insects and other pests, and
iii. conceals it from public view

For PED updates and resources: www.ontario.ca/swine

Even more basic points from new PEDv and manure application Infosheet

A new infosheet “PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application” is now available.

Some More Basic Points:

•     PEDv lifespan is considerably shortened under aerobic conditions. Manure storages should be completely agitated before application.

•     Pumping washwater back into the manure storage is recommended when manure application at that site is finished.

•     Give a thorough cleaning and disinfection of equipment before moving to another farm.

•    Where it is known that a site is PEDv positive, manure storages should be scheduled last to reduce the risk of transmission.

For more information go to www.ontario.ca/swine

Infosheet: PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application

Some more basic points from new PEDv and manure application Infosheet

A new infosheet “PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application” is now available.

Some More Basic Points:

•     Those working with or spreading manure must not enter any pig barn or come in contact with pigs.

•     Maintain a line of separation between daily farm traffic/barn staff and set-up of manure loading and hauling.

•     Manure applicators should use separate access ways to manure storage or hauling whenever possible.

For more information go to www.ontario.ca/swine

Infosheet: PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application

More basic points from new PEDv and manure application Infosheet

A new infosheet “PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application” is now available.

More Basic Points:

•     If a site is known PEDv positive, the manure should be held as long as possible and until the weather is warmer to reduce the amount of virus present.

•     Consider keeping manure on the same property as the barn to limit transport, respecting crop requirements and nutrient management  application rates.

•     Consider applying manure inter-row after the corn is up to take advantage   of higher temperatures to help reduce the virus lifespan.

For more information go to www.ontario.ca/swine

Infosheet: PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application

Basic points from new PEDv and manure application Infosheet

A new infosheet “PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application” is now available.

Basic Points are:

• Ensure manure application equipment is clean and disinfected before entry onto any pig farm.
• Manure on roadways, barn yards, equipment or clothes can be enough to spread PEDv. Keep manure off of surfaces that could end up transferring the virus to another pig farm.
• Inject or incorporate manure into soil as quickly as possible.

For more information go to www.ontario.ca/swine

Infosheet: PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application

PEDv and Considerations for Manure Application: new Infosheet

A new infosheet “PED Virus and Considerations for Manure Application”  is now available. The best way to address the spread of the PEDv and other pathogens is through preventive action and thorough biosecurity.  Anyone spreading manure has a role to play in reducing the risks of transmitting the virus.  For more information go to ontario.ca/swine

PEDv: testing costs for clinical suspects still covered; non-clinical or environmental testing is not

An Industry Advisory from OMAF/MRA March 6:

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus

PEDv continues to be detected on farms and at processors, transporters and assemblers at a low level.  This indicates 1) the virus is still circulating and is an ongoing risk, and 2) it is being managed through the existing collective efforts and precautions. The cooperation of all levels of industry and government has been essential in minimising the impacts of PED to the Ontario pork industry.  Vigilance and strong biosecurity at the farm level, diligent cleaning and disinfection by transporters, renderers, processors and other service providers, and changes to the flow of animals have all resulted in a relatively small number of cases compared to many affected US states.

PED has become established in the United States, and other pathogens like Delta coronavirus present new threats.  The efforts made to prevent the spread of PED must continue as regular business practices as the industry manages these risks and moves forward. Growing Forward 2 and OMAF funding to Ontario Pork will continue to strengthen efforts in the areas of greatest risk and provide the necessary infrastructure and education to help meet these challenges.

PED is considered an emerging significant disease in Ontario, and veterinarians are still required to report suspect cases to OMAF under the Animal Health Act. OMAF will continue to cover the cost of diagnostic testing of clinical suspects at the Animal Health Laboratory until further notice, and will continue to offer support to veterinarians and their clients in the management of PED cases.

Testing of non-clinical or environmental samples is not encouraged and will not be covered by OMAF.  Such testing on its own does not give a valid indication of PEDv status and should not be used to inform decision-making by producers, veterinarians or service providers.  Conducting environmental testing as part of a monitoring program is at the discretion of individual businesses and sample submission should be discussed with the AHL.

For further information please contact the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food at 1-877-424-1300, or Ontario Pork at 1-877-ONT-PORK.

Resources on PED prevention and management are available from OMAF at www.ontario.ca/swine.

14th London Swine Conference March 26-27: Register by Friday March 14th

A release from the London Swine Conference yesterday www.londonswineconference.ca.

Note the Registration deadline is March 14th. Contact 519-873-4077 or debra.allison@ontario.ca

For Immediate Release…

  “14^th London Swine Conference (LSC) moves to Hilton”

 London ON, March 4, 2014 – The theme is “Positioning for Success” as the pork industry prepares to gather in London for the fourteenth annual LSC.  These two full days of presentations and workshops have moved to the Hilton London for Wednesday and Thursday, March 26 & 27, 2014.  Speakers will cover topics ranging from practical on-farm decision making and management to the impacts of international trade on pork production.

 “I am excited about the timely topics with something for everyone” says conference Chair Teresa Van Raay.  The program will once again be targeted for sow herds on Wednesday, and wean to finish on Thursday.  “With speakers from across the continent and a new venue I am looking forward to seeing everyone at this premier swine industry conference.”

Wednesday’s Sow-focused agenda will include ‘Lessons Learned from PEDv’, along with experts in the areas of group sow housing, nutrition and lactation, and Ontario’s position in the global marketplace.  At the farm level, workshops will consider piglet and milk management, reproductive troubleshooting, feeding the sow, and practical aspects of  group sow housing.

On Thursday, the focus is on Wean to Finish.  Topics such as real factors that affect profitability, the importance of international trade to Ontario production, and national health status monitoring will be covered.  Farm level workshops will include managing pile-ups, benchmarking and measuring profitability on-farm, spotting problems early, higher fiber diets, and improving feed efficiency.

As always, the LSC program will include leading researchers, industry experts and pork producers.  This unique mix of perspectives provides new insights and can lead to lively workshop discussions.  Presenters this year will include:  Steve Pollmann, Murphy Brown West; Doug MacDougald, South West Ontario Veterinary Services; Chris Byra, Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network; Ron Bates, Michigan State University; Laurie Connor, University of Manitoba; Chantal Farmer, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Ruurd Zijlstra, University of Alberta; Kevin Grier, George Morris Centre; Graeme McDermid, Cronin Pork Ltd.; Kathleen Sullivan, Trade Consultant.

For a listing of all conference speakers and the full program visit:  www.londonswineconference.ca

Conference fees are $135 per day which includes one copy of the proceedings, a reception on Wednesday, lunch and all coffee breaks.  Discounts are available for groups of five or more who register and submit one payment.  Registration deadline is March 14, 2014.  Please note that there is no registration at the door.

The London Swine Conference is a joint effort by staff from Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Ministry of Rural Affairs (OMAF and MRA), Ontario Pork, University of Guelph, Ontario Pork Industry Council, and is made possible through strong industry sponsorship.

 -30-

 For more information:

Debra Allison, Registration Coordinator, OMAF and MRA, (519) 873-4077, Debra.Allison@ontario.ca, www.londonswineconference.ca