Italian pig disease requires Canadian vigilance
CBC News
Posted: Feb 10, 2012 7:29 AM ET
Last Updated: Feb 10, 2012 1:06 PM ET
More than 50 per cent of Canada's swine are exported, so a disease outbreak could be devastating. (CBC)An outbreak of a pig disease in Italy could threaten Canadian swine exports if it makes its way across the Atlantic, says a health management expert at Charlottetown's Atlantic Veterinary College.
Dr. Dan Hurnik, of the Canadian Swine Health Board, wants travellers and pig farmers to take precautions against swine vesicular disease, which causes blisters on pigs' feet and mouths.
The disease is not a risk to humans, but Hurnik said the virus can survive a long time in uncooked and cured meat.
Hurnik said it's important travellers don't accidentally bring the disease into Canada.
"The second measure is that either fresh or dried, cured products should never be fed to pigs, or even be taken into the barn where there's accidental introduction of these to pigs."
The Italian outbreak isn't large, said Hurnik, but more than 50 per cent of Canada's swine is exported, so this virus would devastate the industry if it came here.
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