Prince Edward Island is introducing restrictions on swine imports to the province. New regulations under the Animal Health Protection Act will require that all swine being imported to the province must meet high health standards and be certified as testing free of all named diseases. The regulations are effective August 22.
In making the announcement, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Eric Hammill said the new regulations were introduced at the request of the hog industry. "The industry has been very successful in achieving the highest herd health standards in Canada. These regulations will help protect those standards and prevent the introduction of new diseases," he said. "Continued freedom from certain swine diseases in the province will support the industry in its efforts to access domestic and international opportunities and assist local producers through lower production costs."
Health testing will be required for all swine, including boar semen, being imported to farms before a permit will be issued. A permit only is required for market hogs being imported by processing plants for immediate slaughter.
The Chairman of the Hog Commodity Marketing Board, Donald MacDonald, said that maintaining the industry's high herd health status is a major priority. "High quality genetics along with the low incidence of disease are major advantages in developing breeding stock sales to the national and international markets," said Mr. MacDonald. "It also means greater reproductive performance and feed efficiencies. Preventing new diseases is a lot easier and less expensive than having to treat and control a disease once it becomes established."
The Hog Board recently established new PEI Quality Swine minimal disease production and artificial insemination units in Oceanview to complement its 20 year-old facility in Grandview. These facilities supply a high proportion of the Island's swine breeding stock.
"In addition to increased benefits for the industry, the new regulations also meet consumer demands for safe, high quality food products," said Mr. Hammill. "Together with all sectors of the agriculture and food industry, we are working to establish this province as a recognized and reputable supplier of quality food and agriculture products."
The province produces more than 180,000 hogs each year, over 90 percent of which are processed on the Island. The hog industry contributes approximately $100 million annually to the provincial economy, and there are growing markets for high quality breeding stock.
For more information on import requirements, contact Paul Jenkins at 368-5606 or Dr. Robert Morrison at 368-5087.