Canada to host a cross-border tabletop exercise on African swine feverCanada to host a cross-border tabletop exercise on African swine fever
CFIA, USDA will assess the impact of supply and demand for live feeder swine on both sides of the border.
January 15, 2025

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency informed the World Organization for Animal Health a cross-border tabletop exercise on African swine fever will take place on Jan. 29. Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada and a delegate to WOAH, Mary Jane Ireland states the exercise will focus on the operational and administrative steps needed to resume live animal exports following a simulated ASF detection in Canada.
The exercise will be hosted by the CFIA, with support from the USDA, and will test how the CFIA and USDA apply bilateral zoning arrangements by:
Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the CFIA, USDA, provincial/territorial/state officials, as well as industry stakeholders.
Practicing the process of re-opening the Canada-United States border to animals sourced from disease-free zones once zoning recognition is in effect.
Assessing the impact of supply and demand for live feeder swine on both sides of the border.
Identifying strengths and challenges in achieving a timely, safe resumption of live feeder swine trade following an ASF detection.
Since 2018, the USDA has participated in a series of tri-lateral (Canada, Mexico and the United States) ASF Forums and initiated an ASF-specific exercise program to coordinate efforts. Preparedness and response exercises help ensure the nation's readiness and provides a no-fault learning environment to discuss, practice and implement plans, procedures and processes in advance of an actual event. In the African Swine Fever Response Plan, The Red Book, the USDA notes the 2021 ASF detection in the Western Hemisphere created yet another sense of urgency.
In 2021, ASF was detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, marking the first time the disease had been in the Western Hemisphere in almost 40 years. This led to the establishment of a protection zone in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
ASF has never been reported in the United States or Canada.
About the Author
You May Also Like