Most of you should already be aware of concerns about the spread of foreign animal disease, African Swine Fever (ASF), into the United States. for those who need an update:
ASF has never been identified in the US, but it is coming closer, having been recently found in swine in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Since at least 2018, USDA has taken many steps to enhance education and surveillance and testing plans, including at least:
Federal Order: APHIS Suspends the Interstate Movement of Live Swine, Swine Germplasm, Swine Products, and Swine Byproducts from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands September 2021
Swine Hemorrhagic Fevers: African and Classical Swine Fever Integrated Surveillance Plan May 2019
A qualitative assessment of the likelihood of ASF virus entry to the United States. March 2019
A non-animal origin feed ingredient risk evaluation framework. March 2019
A literature review of non-animal origin feed ingredients and the transmission of viral pathogens of swine., March 2019
ASF Emerging Risk to Animal Health – Notice, August 2018
Chinese Provinces Reporting ASF – Map, February 26, 2019
USDA-Industry ASF Surveillance and Response Points September 2018
USDA-Industry ASF Prevention Points September 2018.
Preparedness and response plans are available on USDA’s website.
USDA has partnered with State animal health officials, trade associations, and farmers and ranchers to implement its enhanced preparedness and response plans-a requirement for a successful outcome.
The most recent step has been a submission of a “dossier to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) detailing the actions taken to finalize a new African Swine Fever (ASF) protection zone in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.” While ASF has not been diagnosed in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, additional protective measures have been implemented to help prevent the entry of the disease to those jurisdictions.
All those involved in the raising and marketing of swine in the US should update their biosecurity protocols, working with trusted veterinary and industry partners, to protect livestock from exposure to this foreign animal disease.
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