Join us at the Invasive Pigs Awareness and Planning Workshop on February 27 at the Inn at the Quay (in-person and virtual options available) in New Westminster, B.C.
This FREE, interactive and informative workshop will focus on raising awareness and planning for the emerging threat of invasive pigs to B.C. and the risk related to African Swine Fever.
Why Attend?
- Learn about invasive pigs and African swine fever
- Understand their impacts on B.C. and how to protect communities and landscapes
- Explore national and provincial response strategies
Who Should Attend?
Anyone involved with preventing the spread of invasive species in and across B.C.! Whether you want to learn about invasive pigs and their impacts or share your insights on this emerging issue.
How to Join
In-person:
- Space is limited. One person per organization is recommended (subject to change based on availability). Register by selecting the ISCBC Non-Member option (unless you’re an ISCBC Member). Once you reach Step 3, Tickets, you can select the invasive pig workshop ticket at no cost.
Virtual:
- Open to all those involved with preventing the spread of invasive species in and across B.C. You can register for virtual attendance of the workshop.
Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 am | Registration & Coffee |
| 9:00 am | Welcome & Opening Remarks |
| 9:15 am | Invasive Pigs and African Swine Fever: Preventing Escapees and Protecting Livestock This session explores the risks invasive pigs pose as potential ASF reservoirs and highlights the importance of securing livestock to prevent escapes, which can lead to invasive pig establishment. Speakers: Julia Smith (Small-Scale Meat Producers Association), Dr. Theresa Burns (Chief Veterinary Officer of British Columbia) |
| 9:45 am | Understanding Invasive Pigs: Ecology, Identification, and Signs Introduce invasive pigs, including their ecology, behaviour, and impacts. Participants will learn about identification techniques, signs of their presence, and the consequences of delayed action. Speaker: Dr. Ryan Brook (University of Saskatchewan) |
| 10:15 am | Building a National Response Learn about the national response to invasive pigs, highlighting the importance of cross-border collaboration to detect, report, and manage invasive pigs. Speaker: Gabby Nichols (Canadian Council on Invasive Species) |
| 10:45 am | Morning Break |
| 11:00 am | Protecting B.C. from Invasive Pigs: Updates and Insights Explore how B.C. is working to protect landscapes and communities from invasive pigs. This session highlights key activities, recent progress, and how the BC Feral Pig Response Plan uses Early Detection Rapid Response principles. Speaker: Emily Lomas (B.C. Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship) |
| 11:45 am | Lunch Break |
| 12:45 pm | The Impact of Invasive Pigs on Hunting, Fishing, and Traditional Practices Invasive pigs pose significant risks to ecosystems, wildlife, and traditional practices. This session explores why hunters, anglers, and Indigenous communities are concerned about their establishment. Speakers: Matthew Robbins [virtual] (Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters), Tom Aird (Saulteau First Nation), Others TBA |
| 1:30 pm | Interactive Workshop: Building a Provincial Strategy to Keep B.C. Pig-Free Participants collaborate on shaping a provincial strategy to prevent invasive pig establishment in B.C. Through facilitated discussions and activities, attendees will provide input. Speaker: ISCBC and Emily Lomas (B.C. Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship) |
| 3:00 pm | Closing Remarks & Next Steps |
