McCain warns outdated rules could create an economic Armageddon.Ottawa—The united front shown by the Chief Veterinary Officers of Canada, the United States and Mexico at a two-conference on confronting African Swine Fever (ASF) was a good start, say agrifood leaders and veterinarians.However much needs to be done by the three governments and their international allies to stop the spread of the devastating hog killing disease. If all the scientific information wasn't enough to inspire them, the 150 delegates to the conference have the impassioned words of Maple Leaf Foods CEO Michael McCain to encourage their efforts.McCain said the rules of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) need to be modernized or they could lead to “a devastating human tragedy in the 21st Century.”It's unlikely that ASF and other virulent animal diseases can be kept out of North America and countries have to prepare for that, he said. If ASF is discovered here, embargoes will be slapped on exports of pork from Canada wiping out thousands of jobs.“This isn't about some sick animals. And, it isn't about human illness. In the 21st Century, this is about economic Armageddon over sudden trade embargos,” he said. Allowing “such human devastation over the outbreak of an inevitable animal disease is simply wrong -- morally wrong. We have the tools, and skills, and intellect to do better.”Any response to the disease must take away the risk of financial ruin for farmers and food industry workers and keep food flowing, he said. Among the steps that need to be taken are development of tests to ensure the meat is safe so trade can continue.Henry Ceelen, a vet from Kemptville and chairman of the national issues committee of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, said the quality of the conference's proceedings showed the three countries worked hard on the issue in advance of it.The biosecurity measures adopted by hog producers in recent years means if the disease is found in Canada, it will likely be pigs on small farms or in wild boars, he said. “We need to take biosecurity to whole new levels especially where wild pigs are prevalent. Producers need to make small operators aware of the threat.”Rick Bergmann, President of the Canadian Pork Council, said the conference focused on the future, which is important given the threat the disease poses to many Canadian farmers and workers in the processing sector.“We've had lots of talk about fixing the disease; now we need action,” he said. That includes pork-importing countries not implementing a full ban on shipments from a country where the disease is found until the extent of the problem is determined, he said.Given the biosecurity measures developed by commercial producers, “why should they be shut down under international rules if the disease is found in wild pigs or on hobby farms in their region.”Megan Bergman, Executive Director of the National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council, said the conference provided excellent insights into ASF from people who have had to deal with it. “We need to have plans in place in the event the disease is found here.”Any plan has to include a communications strategy to educate the public about the impact of the disease, which isn't a health threat to humans, but will devastate farmers and people working in the processing sector, she said.It also be good for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to review its biosecurity rules to make sure they're up to date for responding to ASF. She also stressed the importance of monitoring wild boars and pigs because of their role in transmitting the disease elsewhere.As for diagnosing the disease, Cellen said a pig “will go from sluggish to dead really rapidly.” The important step is to keep pigs the animals from coming into contact with the disease, which can be spread by contaminated feed. “We need to continue working on this and not give ASF a chance to to enter the country.” Finding a vaccine for it won't be easy because 24 genotypes of it has been identified, he said.Alex Binkley is a freelance journalist and writes for domestic and international publications about agriculture, food and transportation issues. He's also the author of two science fiction novels with more in the works.