APHIS calls on public to remain vigilant in preventing spread of ASF
As African swine fever (ASF) continues to impact the swine industry worldwide, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is urging producers and the public to remain vigilant in their efforts to keep the disease out of the U.S.
The reminder comes on the heels of ASF Action Week, an annual awareness campaign focused on strengthening prevention and preparedness efforts nationwide, which was observed on March 1-7.
It also coincides with National Pig Day held on March 1 to highlight the importance of pigs in agriculture, science and society.
ASF may have far-reaching impacts
According to APHIS, ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs of all ages.
Symptoms include high fever; decreased appetite; weakness; red, blotchy skin or skin lesions; diarrhea and/or vomiting; coughing and difficulty breathing; abortions and/or sudden death.
While the disease poses no threat to humans, it can be devastating for swine herds, as there is no treatment or vaccine and mortality rates can reach up to 100 percent in infected animals.
Outbreaks have already caused significant losses in swine populations across Asia, Europe and other parts of the world, and since pork serves as a staple in American diets, the potential impact of ASF in the U.S. could be severe.
“Its deadly nature in swine could result in pork product shortages, disruptions to trade and economic impacts,” APHIS states.
In a March 5 opinion column published in American Ag Network, Dr. Alan Huddleston, acting U.S. chief veterinary officer at APHIS, reiterates the importance of preventing the virus from entering the country and highlights the agency’s continued prevention and preparedness efforts.
“It is undeniable the economic repercussions of ASF would be far reaching in the U.S. because pork is a staple in many American diets, appearing in everything from breakfast sausages to holiday hams,” Huddleston says. “ASF would cause pork to become scarcer and more expensive, and consumers might turn to alternative protein sources, further disrupting food markets and potentially leading to increased prices as demand for those sources increased.”
APHIS maintains safeguards to prevent ASF
Although the U.S. maintains a robust system of safeguards aimed at preventing foreign animal diseases like ASF from entering the country, Huddleston notes APHIS is always working to strengthen these protections.
In his column, Huddleston lists some of the key initiatives currently underway, including strengthening existing partnerships with U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel at multiple ports of entry, increasing inspection of passengers and products arriving from affected countries and advancing risk-based restrictions on imports of pork and pork products from regions where ASF is present.
Collaboration with state governments, industry leaders and producers is another cornerstone of the agency’s prevention strategy, with a focus on reinforcing the importance of strict biosecurity practices across the pork supply chain.
Huddleston says APHIS is also continuing to evaluate and improve emergency response plans so incident management teams across the country can respond quickly and efficiently if ASF is ever detected in the U.S.
Officials call on the public for help
While APHIS remains hard at work ensuring ASF doesn’t cross the U.S. border, Huddleston emphasizes the importance of public participation in these efforts as well.
He urges travelers to be cautious when bringing food products across international borders, as pork-based snacks, souvenirs and other food items may carry the virus even if they have been cooked or processed.
Travelers are encouraged to declare all food items to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials when entering the country.
“Also be cautious when traveling to farms or interacting with wild pigs abroad,” Huddleston states. “Be sure to thoroughly clean clothes and shoes before returning home. Individuals should also avoid visiting farms, fairs or anywhere where pigs may be present for at least five days after returning.”
Huddleston says hunters and outdoor enthusiasts should stay alert when encountering pigs or feral swine, since the virus can be unknowingly transported via footwear or clothing after contact with contaminated areas.
For producers, Huddleston recommends maintaining strong farm biosecurity, staying informed about emerging risks and reporting unusual illness in pigs quickly.
Lastly, he notes spreading awareness is one of the most effective tools in preventing disease introduction, as educating friends, family and colleagues about ASF will help create a broader network of vigilance across the country.
“The time to act is now – for the sake of our farms, our economy and the well-being of all Americans,” Huddleston states. “Together, we can work to keep ASF out of the U.S. and protect our pigs and food supply for generations to come.”
Hannah Bugas is the managing editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Send comments on this article to roundup@wylr.net.
