Quebec pork producers federation (FPPQ), MAPAQ and the federal government invest $820,000 in a pilot project to control PRRS virus

LONGUEUIL, QC, March 20, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec (FPPQ) and both federal and provincial governments have announced an investment of $820,000 to continue the pilot project for Local Control and Eradication of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (LCE PRRS) and open a second phase.

"To us, the $500,000 financial commitment by MAPAQ and the federal government means that the government firmly intends to support these promising initiatives for pork farms in Quebec. The project is also part of the FPPQ plan to reduce production costs on the farm through maintaining higher sanitation standards for our herds. Pork producers will be investing a significant amount, some $320,000 to this project in the future. We know that the PRRS virus costs producers over $30 million every year," said FPPQ executive vice-president Cécilien Berthiaume.

Despite an economic situation that continues to be tough for many pork producers, they're showing real leadership and vision by taking part in this project which will help manage the risks associated with PRRS and contribute toward a return to sustainable earnings. "I congratulate those pork producers who have agreed to participate for their openness and transparency, as the project requires them to share confidential information. After the pilot project is over, its conclusions and recommendations can be put into practice by all pork producers in Quebec to keep their herds healthy and contribute to our pork growers' own financial health as well," Berthiaume said.

The LCE PRRS project

For the moment, the LCE PRRS pilot project includes two phases. Phase 1, which began in the summer of 2011 and is now about to close, will help confirm the high degree of interest among producers in working together to gather data concerning sanitation and the origin of the virus on pork farms. Phase 2, which begins in the spring of 2012 and will continue for the next two years, will consist of performing the audits and tests needed to collect the data and formulate recommendations for introducing necessary corrections on farms.

When the project was first launched, so many pork producers expressed interest that 5 regions including 5 groups of producers (225 sites in all) were retained for the initial pilot phase.

"This regional movement could be applied right across Quebec. We hope we'll be able to find more funding to let other producers take part in a project later on, if they wish to. This pilot project should also make it possible to recover 15% of the losses due to this illness and the damage it causes," Berthiaume said.

The Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ) will be responsible for coordinating those involved in the project's target regions, supported by expertise from various industry specialists in Quebec's pork sector.

ABOUT THE FPPQ

The Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec represents the interests of 3800 pork producers in 12 regional syndicates. Quebec's pork producers raise over 7.5 million hogs per year and generate economic benefits amounting to over $1.25 billion across the province. The pork industry in Quebec employs some 19,800 people and exports 60% of its products to more than 125 countries. www.leporcduquebec.com

Source:  Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec

Information:
Nathalie Hansen
Director Communications
Fédération des producteurs de porcs du Québec
Telephone: [phone], ext. 8750
Email: [email protected]