As part of their commitment to animal well-being, pig farmers work with their veterinarians regularly to find ways to keep their animals healthy. This includes protecting them from major disease threats such as foreign animal diseases (FADs) like African swine fever.
Today’s global movements of people and pigs pose greater risks to herd health than ever before. This makes implementing on-farm disease prevention and mitigation strategies critical to maintaining overall herd health and preventing the introduction or spread of disease.
This general checklist will help pork producers prepare for a potential FAD outbreak in the U.S.
Specific plans and requirements will vary by state.
In the event of an FAD outbreak, Premises Identification Numbers (PINs) link site data and information for timely and efficient analysis by animal health officials for rapid decision making. Having these records in an electronic format, such as AgView, is preferred for effective industry response.
→ Obtain or maintain separate PIN for each production site, geolocating each to site where pigs are housed
→ Record origin/destination PINs for all animal and semen shipments, and include the sending PINs on bills of lading and diagnostic laboratory submissions.
→ Keep all animal, visitor, and equipment movement logs current for each site
→ Create an AgView account and upload premises, pig movement and Secure Pork Supply documentation
Working with your herd veterinarian and using available resources will assist with onsite preparedness.
→ Create and follow a site-specific biosecurity plan, which can be shared upon request
→ Train all production employees on clinical signs of FADs
→ Observe pigs daily for FAD clinical signs, document and report concerns
→ Perform diagnostic testing as directed by your herd veterinarian
→ Work with your herd veterinarian to determine potential for Certified Swine Sample Collection participation
→ Develop depopulation/disposal plans in case of a market disruption or a stop movement order
→ Enroll in US SHIP, a program designed for protecting, improving, and representing the health status of pig production operations across supply chains, areas, states and regions
In an FAD event, herd depopulation and disposal may be required to halt disease spread.
→ Develop a site-specific emergency depopulation and disposal plan with your herd veterinarian and appropriate state agencies
→ Determine required resources necessary for the identified depopulation and disposal methods
→ Locate potential sources for equipment/supplies
→ Develop an on-site disposal plan
→ Identify mental health resources that may be needed
U.S. pork producers must take the necessary steps to protect their farms and the domestic pork industry from the threat of African swine fever (ASF).
The Pork Checkoff has taken a leading role in collaborating with multiple government and industry partners to protect the U.S. from ASF.
This research presents background information on African swine fever and factors to consider in designing an eradication plan should ASF be introduced in the United States.
Through extensive work and research, early detection of ASF provides the best opportunity to eliminate the disease. This white paper research assumes ASF is not rapidly detected and eliminated and what factors will need to be considered and what approach will need to be taken.
An ASF eradication plan should serve as an umbrella that accommodates different state situations while providing consistent guidance to states to facilitate eradication and a return to disease free status.
The swine health team at National Pork Board (NPB) uses Pork Checkoff resources to fund swine-specific FAD research. The goal is to help pork producers and the industry prepare to combat FAD transmission through disease prevention, rapid detection and vaccine and biosecurity countermeasures.
Freedom from diseases such as African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) provides value of more than a $55 per head to U.S. pork producers.
African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. It can spread very quickly in pig populations through direct or indirect contact. After direct or non-tickborne contact with the virus, ASF is mainly thought to enter the body through the upper respiratory tract. There is no vaccine or treatment available and there is no evidence that ASF can infect humans. The U.S. is an ASF-free region, but if an outbreak is suspected then a veterinarian should be contacted immediately.
Click to explore African swine fever research funded by Pork Checkoff dollars.
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a severe and highly contagious viral disease that can cause illness in animals with divided hooves. FMD is not a public health or food safety concern and also is not related to the common childhood illness hand, foot and mouth disease. Most affected animals will not die from FMD, but the disease leaves them weakened and unable to produce meat the way they did before. FMD has been eradicated from the U.S., but it remains a worldwide concern. Animal health agencies and checkoff programs invest many resources in preventing the disease from reentering the country.
Click to explore foot-and-mouth disease research funded by Pork Checkoff dollars.
Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. The disease has been eradicated from the U.S. since 1978, although outbreaks have occurred in some foreign countries. Pigs can become infected after eating food contaminated with the virus. It’s then spread by contact with any bodily discharge from the infected pig and can be carried by other pigs or objects, like equipment or clothing. Veterinarians should be called immediately if there is any suspicion of disease. CSF does not affect humans.
Click here to explore classical swine fever research funded by Pork Checkoff dollars.
There are many pig diseases that producers continue to battle every day whether they are from bacterial or viral pathogens. The biggest of these diseases continues to be PRRS, including newer, more virulent strains. The National Pork Board continues to fund research to find new ways to protect against disease threats.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a disease characterized by two overlapping clinical presentations: reproductive impairment or failure and respiratory disease in pigs of any age. PRRS is a worldwide concern, including in the U.S. The virus is spread by nasal secretions, saliva, feces and urine and can be airborne for up to two miles.
Control strategy for PRRS varies, and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an infection is suspected. The National Pork Board produced the PRRS book, a comprehensive resource of Checkoff-funded research for producers, veterinarians and researchers.
Click here to explore PRRS research funded by Pork Checkoff dollars.
Influenza viruses are common in swine, usually causing a high rate of infection but few deaths. In many instances swine show no signs of illness. Animals typically begin getting sick 1–3 days after being infected with the virus. Symptoms may include coughing or barking, sneezing, high fever, difficulty breathing, runny nose, not eating, or not wanting to get up and move around.
If you see any of these signs in your pigs, try to isolate the sick animal(s) from the rest of the herd, provide supportive care, and contact your veterinarian.
Click here to explore swine influenza research funded by Pork Checkoff dollars.
Click here to explore mycoplasma research funded by Pork Checkoff dollars.
Prevent and prepare for animal diseases by educating your team to monitor herd health and enforce biosecurity. Check out this collection of 14 biosecurity resources to help producers review biosecurity protocols.
Keeping pigs and people healthy is vital as youth continue to travel for swine exhibition shows. The detection of influenza A (H5N1) in dairy cattle earlier this year elevates the focus on diligent biosecurity for all livestock producers.
How pork producers can enhance their preparation and prevention strategies to combat foreign animal diseases.
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