Annual Shakespeare Swine Seminar Addresses Issues to Help Keep Animals Healthy

The Voice of Canada News

The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is partnering with Ontario Pork for the annual Shakespeare Swine Seminar to ensure producers and the industry remain up to date on new and emerging information to help keep animals safe and healthy.

This year’s keynote speaker, Dr. Paul Sundberg from the Swine Health Information Center in Iowa, will discuss African Swine Fever. The seminar will also include presentations on other potential impacts to swine health, such as the importance of biosecurity to guard against a number of other swine diseases in Ontario.

“Our government is committed to supporting farm biosecurity and recognizes its importance in preventing and reducing the spread of disease within a farm and to other farms and members of the value chain,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “We want to help better position swine producers and the industry for further growth and competitiveness now and for years to come.”

Biosecurity involves many aspects of farm management, such as disease control and prevention (e.g. closed herd, vaccinations), nutrient management, and visitor control. While controlling and limiting the movement of livestock is recognized as the most important biosecurity measure for most diseases, many hazards can be carried and transmitted on contaminated clothing, boots, equipment and vehicles.

“By staying up to date on biosecurity protocols, farmers can help stop the spread of disease between farms,” said Randy Pettapiece, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “This annual conference in Stratford gives our swine producers the chance to hear directly from experts in the field and represents the close partnership between OMAFRA and Ontario Pork.”