Travelling hunters: help keep African swine fever out of Canada

African swine fever (ASF) has never been detected in Canada, but it continues to spread globally. It does not affect people, but it can have serious impacts on pigs, farms and the economy.

A hidden risk in hunting gear and equipment

ASF is a contagious viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs (boars). It can spread through contaminated equipment, clothing, soil and pork products.

Hunting outside Canada can increase the risk of bringing the virus back on gear or equipment. Contaminated items can create a pathway for ASF to enter Canada.

Wild pigs are present in parts of Canada and could make the disease harder to control if it were introduced.

How hunters can reduce the risk of ASF

By staying alert and cleaning gear, hunters help safeguard Canada's pigs, farms, and ecosystems. Your actions can prevent ASF from ever reaching Canadian soil or stop the spread should it ever be found.

All hunters

Clean and disinfect all hunting equipment.

Thoroughly clean boots, clothing, knives, backpacks and vehicles. Contaminated gear is a major transmission risk.

Know the signs of ASF in wild pigs.

Watch for sudden death, fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty walking, or red and blue skin blotches. Hunters often encounter animals in remote areas and are well‑positioned to spot early warning signs.

Report any wild pig sightings or signs of activity in Canada.

Live, sick or dead wild pigs – or evidence such as tracks or rooting – should be reported to provincial or territorial programs to support early detection.

If hunting outside Canada

Don't bring in pork or pork products back to Canada.

The ASF virus can survive for months in fresh or processed pork. Transporting pork products from affected countries could introduce ASF into new regions.

Stay away from pig farms for 14 days after hunting.

Especially after contact with wild pigs. This helps reduce the risk of carrying contamination onto farms.