Karolina Steinerova, Saskatchewan Pork Development Board
The Saskatchewan Pork Development Board (Sask Pork) is urging producers to take proactive steps in preparing for potential on-farm emergencies — particularly those that could require mass euthanasia and disposal of swine herds.
In collaboration with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) project, Sask Pork recently released a comprehensive Mass Euthanasia and Disposal Producer Guide. This resource is designed to assist producers in developing site-specific emergency response plans that ensure humane, safe, and efficient responses in high-stress situations such as disease outbreaks.
According to Karolina Steinerova, Producer Services Manager with Sask Pork, preparedness is key.
“We can think about an emergency response plan as a step-by-step guide or set of actions that we prepare in advance when we have the time to go through our approach and set priorities,” says Steinerova.
From January through March, 68 plans were submitted — representing roughly 50% of the swine production sites in Saskatchewan.
Steinerova emphasizes the importance of:
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Identifying primary and secondary euthanasia and disposal methods based on available on-site tools and access to additional equipment.
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Ensuring trained personnel are in place to carry out emergency actions quickly and safely.
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Using only approved euthanasia methods that prioritize animal welfare and human safety.
“Emergency situations are emotionally demanding,” Steinerova adds. “If we’re not prepared, we may not respond as effectively as needed. While developing a plan requires effort upfront, it simplifies the process during an actual emergency.”
Producers looking to create or update a site-specific emergency response plan are encouraged to contact Sask Pork at 306-244-7752 or visit Farmscape.ca for more information.
