Canada Approves PRRSV-Resistant Pigs for Food and Feed Use

On January 23, 2026, Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) released a statement on the approval of genetically engineered pigs resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses (PRRSV) for use in food and feed. Health Canada and CFIA confirmed that foods made from these pigs are safe and effective for human consumption and use in livestock feeds.

PRRSV is one of the most damaging viral threats to the swine industry, causing respiratory illness, reproductive failure, and significant economic losses for producers. The engineered pigs could help farmers avoid widespread herd infection, reduce antibiotic use, and improve animal welfare. The PRRSV-resistant pigs were developed by Genus PLC and PIC Canada, Ltd., and similar approvals are already in place in countries such as the United States, Brazil, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.

Foods from PRRSV-resistant pigs will not require special labelling, as Health Canada found no health or safety concerns associated with these pigs. While the pigs are approved for sale in Canada, Genus PLC has indicated that they do not intend to sell these pigs without further regulatory authorization in other key markets. The developers and Health Canada affirm that they remain committed to transparency and public communication as this new technology enters the Canadian market.

For more information, read the statement from Health Canada.