Canada is opening its borders to live hogs for slaughter from the U-S. It’s called a “significant step” by Iowa City hog farmer John McNutt, president of the National Pork Producers Council. McNutt does NOT anticipate the policy change to make a major difference for Iowa producers. McNutt says several other states will see a boost in pork exports. Canada had previously banned live U-S hogs due to concerns over a disease passed between live hogs called pseudorabies (SUE-doe-ray-beez) or P-R-V. States are classified in stages where the disease is gone and where it still has potential. In addition to easing some pressures on hog imports to Iowa, McNutt says the new Canadian policy will most benefit producers in the immediate border states — especially Montana, North Dakota & Minnesota. P-R-V does NOT effect humans. The U-S goal is to eradicate it from all herds nationwide by the end of 2000.
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