Fork out money, hog farmers say

OTTAWA - Much to the relief of local farmers, a virulent new strain of a common pig virus that's wreaked havoc on southwestern Ontario and Quebec hog farms has yet to hit the Ottawa area.

The virus has wiped out up to half the herds of some southwestern Ontario farms. The Ontario Pork Board is pushing for compensation.

Kinburn-area hog farmer Brian Hudson said the Ottawa region has a low density of hog farms, which makes it difficult for disease to jump from farm to farm. But he said the province or feds should offer compensation to farmers who've been hit hard by the outbreak.

"I think there is justification for some relief just because of the high numbers that are being affected," said Hudson, who owns the 1,800-pig farm with his brother.

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Source: Ottawa Sun