Wild pigs are deemed an invasive species in Canada. They contribute to ecological disruption, destruction of wildlife habitats, crop damage, pose safety risks to humans, and can spread diseases that threaten both wildlife and livestock—including African swine fever (ASF). While ASF is not currently present in Canada, a new early detection surveillance program has been extended to wild pigs.

ASF is a virus that leads to severe illness in pigs, with certain strains resulting in nearly 100% mortality among infected pigs. If introduced to Canadian pig populations, ASF would have a devastating effect on swine herds, the industry, the trade of Canadian pork products, and the Canadian economy.

As such, CanSpotASF, an early detection surveillance program for ASF in Canada, has expanded its diagnostic screening to include invasive wild pigs sampling.

“The CanSpotASF program already works with approved animal diagnostic laboratories and with provincial and federal abattoirs to ensure we can detect ASF early in commercial swine,” says Erica Charlton, director, emergency management division at Animal Health Canada. “Expanding to collect invasive wild pig samples is another step to ensure we can detect the African swine fever virus sooner to avoid any spread in Canada.”

The CanSpotASF program is urging wildlife officers, trappers, veterinarians, and others to submit samples of invasive wild pigs whenever feasible. Testing for ASF by approved laboratories will be covered by the provinces where the invasive pigs are located and, in some cases, by the federal government.