Canada conducts cross-border simulation exercise on African swine fever

Dr. Mary Jane Ireland, Delegate to WOAH for Canada and Chief Veterinary Officer of Canada, informed WOAH that a crossborder tabletop exercise on African swine fever will take place on 29 January 2025 in Canada to focus on the operational and administrative steps needed to resume live animal exports following a simulated African swine fever detection in Canada.

This exercise will be hosted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), with support from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The exercise will test how the CFIA and USDA apply bilateral zoning arrangements by:

• Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the CFIA, USDA, provincial/territorial/state officials, as well as industry stakeholders,
• Practising the process of re-opening the Canada-United States border to animals sourced from disease-free zones once zoning recognition is in effect,
• Assessing the impact of supply and demand for live feeder swine on both sides of the border,
• Identifying strengths and challenges in achieving a timely, safe resumption of live feeder swine trade following an African swine fever detection.