Harper Government Helps Keep Pork Industry Healthy

Ridgetown, Ontario, January 4, 2012 - Canadian pork producers will benefit from an investment of $294,500 to initiate small-scale projects for controlling and eradicating viral disease in pork. Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren announced the investment at the Southwest Agricultural Conference today.

"Pork producers here in southern Ontario and across Canada provide safe, top-quality pork products enjoyed by consumers at home and around the world," said MP Van Kesteren on behalf of Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "This targeted investment will help the pork industry enhance its world-class biosecurity and disease control, bolstering its bottom line and our overall economy."

The investment of $294,500 under the Canadian Agricultural Adaptation Program (CAAP) will provide tools, coordination and funds to initiate small-scale projects for controlling and eradicating Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS). PRRS is a disease that causes reproductive failure in breeding stock and respiratory tract illness in young pigs. The disease costs the Canadian industry an estimated $130 million per year.

The collaborative two-year project will involve producers, veterinarians and industry and will pilot a strategy for advanced ...