The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced an agreement for the Philippines to accept zoning in the event of an outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in Canada.  A similar agreement is in effect between the U.S. and Canada with respect to HPAI.  Animal health regulators in both Canada and the Philippines are to be commended on their preemptive action with pork exports to the Philippines valued at $200 million annually.

In addition to the U.S., zoning agreements covering ASF have been concluded preemptively with the EU, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam and the UAE.

The question arises as to why USDA has not initiated and concluded agreements with nations importing U.S. broiler parts in advance of the possible introduction of preventive vaccination since many nations trading with the U.S. and other exporters accept the World Organization of Animal Health principle of zoning (regionalization).