Canada and Singapore have agreed to maintain trade from disease-free regions in the event of an ASF outbreak in Canada
By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Canada and Singapore have come to an agreement that would allow trade continuity in the event of an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak, according to a June 22 release from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
CFIA and the Singapore Food Agency have agreed that Canada could continue to export pork products from disease-free zones of the country under those circumstances, the statement explained.
“Following their evaluation of CFIA’s zoning proposal, Singapore agreed to a regionalization arrangement with Canada,” said CFIA.
“This means that restrictions on the import of Canadian pork and pork products into Singapore, valued at CAD $10 million per year, would only be limited to the areas within the Primary Control Zone(s), once established, if a case of ASF were to be found in Canada,” the statement added. “This arrangement would serve to minimize trade impacts to the Canadian swine sector while protecting the swine populations in both countries.”
Canada also has zoning agreements with the U.S. and EU, and is continuing to negotiate with other trading partners as part of the national ASF preparedness efforts.
“Preparedness is of utmost importance in order to react quickly and to prevent the spread of an animal disease,” said Dr. Jaspinder Komal, chief veterinary officer for Canada. “That’s why Canada is taking unprecedented steps in preventing and mitigating the potential impact of ASF here at home, while collaborating with other countries as a leader in the global fight against ASF."
Currently, ASF outbreaks have been identified in Asia, Europe, and Africa. No cases have been discovered thus far in North America.
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