Animal Health Canada has released its first collaborative 2023 Canadian Invasive Wild Pig Report, a landmark document supporting Canada’s ability to maintain its foreign animal disease-free status—a critical factor in protecting market access and trade for the pork industry.
The report maps wild pig populations across Canada, highlights control measures, and outlines national strategies for eradication and disease prevention.
Michelle Follensbee, Project Manager in Emergency Management at Animal Health Canada, says understanding and managing wild pig populations is essential to safeguarding Canada’s livestock sector:
“Being able to demonstrate what we know about wild pig populations, how we’re controlling them, and that we have a robust plan for responding to disease in wild pigs is an important piece of the puzzle in terms of negotiating with trading partners that we are able to control those diseases and claim disease-free status at the end of an outbreak.”
Why It Matters to Pork Producers
Wild pigs pose a significant threat to domestic swine herds due to their potential to carry diseases such as African swine fever. This new report provides the transparency and coordinated strategy needed to assure global markets that Canada is equipped to detect, control, and eliminate disease risks originating from wild populations.
National Strategy in Action
The wild pig mapping initiative is part of Canada’s broader Wild Pig Strategy, led by the National Wild Pig Leadership Group. This group unites stakeholders across provinces to accelerate eradication programs, coordinate disease surveillance, and communicate ongoing progress.
A new resource, wildpigs.ca, has also launched as part of this initiative, offering data, eradication updates, and tools to support awareness and action on wild pig threats.
Next Steps
Producers are encouraged to stay informed about wild pig surveillance and report sightings through provincial channels. This coordinated effort is critical for protecting herd health, ensuring rapid response capabilities, and preserving Canada’s export reputation.
To access the full report, visit animalhealthcanada.ca.
