Feral hogs could be a threat for African Swine Fever

by | Jan 7, 2019 | 5 Ag Stories, News

African Swine Fever has caused many problems for pork production in the European Union and in China. The disease, while not harmful to humans, can decimate a hog population. A Canadian veterinary officer is calling North American Hunters to help hog farmers.

Rest assured there have been no cases of African Swine Fever found in North America. However, there is always a chance for the first instance to occur. Wild boars have been linked to the spread of the disease in Europe. Again, there have been no traces of the disease found in North America. Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Canada?s Chief Veterinary Officer is asking hunters of North American Feral Hogs to help pork producers prevent an outbreak of this disease. This can be accomplished by staying away from hog facilities for two weeks after hunting.

Komal says the mortality rate of infected hogs is almost 100 percent. No vaccine against the disease has proven effective.

It goes back to the old adage, ?An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.?