Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network (CSHIN)
The Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network is a group of swine health professionals who oversee the pork industry from an animal health point of view. They help manage health conditions on the farm and share their observations to help control potential disease outbreaks. In doing so, they increase the knowledge and the ability of veterinarians to assist the pork industry with ongoing health challenges.
Funded by the Canadian Pork Council, the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians and the Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System, the network consists of swine health professionals (practitioners, researchers, pathologists, and epidemiologists) from three regional networks:
- Canada-West Swine Health Intelligence Network
- Ontario Animal Health Network-Swine
- Quebec RAIZO (Réseau porcin).
CanSpot ASF
CanSpot ASF is enhanced surveillance to protect the swine sector from the impacts of African swine fever.
The primary goal of CanSpot ASF is early detection so that ASF can be quickly contained, which will minimize negative impacts. ASF is not present in Canada currently, however, outbreaks in other parts of the world, and international movement of people and goods, increase the risk of the disease eventually arriving in Canada. If ASF is introduced to any pig in Canada, the borders will close, and the trade of live pigs and pork products will stop.
Risk-based early detection testing at approved laboratories is the first surveillance tool to be implemented as part of CanSpot ASF, and has been in use since July 2021. It allows approved laboratories to conduct ASF testing on certain diagnostic cases when requested by a veterinarian or pathologist.
Risk-based early detection condemnation testing at abattoirs is the second surveillance tool to be implemented as part of CanSpot ASF, and was initiated in April 2022. It allows ASF testing on carcasses condemned under certain dispensation codes.
You read more about CanSpotASF here.
