Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) have announced the completion of comprehensive safety assessments for pigs genetically engineered to resist Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome viruses (PRRSV).
Following applications from Genus PLC and PIC Canada, Ltd., regulators have concluded that pork products derived from these disease-resistant animals are as safe and nutritious for human consumption as conventional pork. Furthermore, the CFIA has confirmed the safety and efficacy of these animals for use in livestock feeds.
Addressing a Devastating Industry Challenge
PRRSV represents one of the most economically damaging viral classes affecting the global swine sector. Infections cause severe symptoms ranging from respiratory distress and fever to anorexia and reproductive failure, including stillbirths.
With vaccination offering only partial effectiveness and no other effective treatments currently available, the approval marks a significant technological milestone. Improving resistance is expected to:
Reduce antibiotic use: By preventing secondary infections associated with the virus.
Improve animal welfare: Minimising suffering and mortality rates.
Stabilise supply: mitigating production losses that drive up consumer prices.
Regulatory Landscape and Labelling
While the approval clears the path for these animals to enter the food system, Health Canada determined that no special mandatory labelling is required. This decision is based on the finding that there are no well-established health risks or changes to the nutritional quality of the food compared to conventional pork.
However, acknowledging consumer interest in genetic engineering, the Government of Canada is currently working with the Canadian General Standards Board to review the National Standard for Labelling and Advertising of Foods that are, and are not, Products of Genetic Engineering. This review aims to clarify voluntary value-added labelling claims for the industry.
In addition, a December 2025 assessment by the New Substances program (jointly administered by Environment and Climate Change Canada and Health Canada) concluded that the environmental and human health risks from indirect exposure to these pigs are no different from those of pigs currently available in Canada.
Commercial Timeline: Awaiting Global Alignment
Despite the Canadian green light, commercial availability is not immediate. Genus PLC has indicated that it does not intend to sell PRRSV-resistant pigs in Canada until further regulatory authorisations are secured in other key export markets.
The technology is already permitted for food use in the United States, Brazil, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic. Both Genus PLC and Health Canada have committed to transparency regarding the eventual market entry of these animals.
Industry Context
The approval supports a massive domestic sector. In 2024, the Canadian swine industry generated over $6.3 billion in farm cash receipts, producing 2.34 million tonnes of pork and exporting 1.45 million tonnes. As of January 1, 2025, the national herd stood at 13.9 million hogs across 6,885 farms.
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Health Canada and CFIA Approve PRRSV-Resistant Pigs Following Safety Assessments
