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The concern of a foreign animal disease entering the United States has become more real in recent weeks with the spread of African swine fever in China.
Patrick Webb, director of swine health programs for the National Pork Council, said: "Increasing the incidence of African swine fever in China increases the risk and we need to be more vigilant to know that we are protecting our flock here in the United States, because we certainly do not want African swine fever here. "
African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease. The first signs of infection are often sudden death. Symptoms include fever, anorexia, lethargy and weakness. Redness and spots on the skin can also be seen on the ears, tail, legs and ham. Other signs include bloody diarrhea and abortions in pregnant sows. PPP does not pose a threat to humans and is not a public health or food security issue.
The National Pork Council, as well as the National Pork Producers Council, the American Pork Veterinary Association, the Pork Health Information Center and the US Department of Agriculture, are working even more closely to ensure that animal diseases. This includes focusing on the import of ingredients for animal feed, a key area of potential high risk of disease transport.
"It is essential for pork producers to maintain foreign animal diseases that limit trade, such as PPA, in the United States," said Steve Rommereim, president of the National Pork Board and pork producer of Alcester, in the United States. South Dakota. "We all need to improve the overall level of preparation for FADs. We hope for the best, but we must prepare for the worst.
Webb said that pork preparation was the main focus of pork preparation, while continuing to work to increase foreign exports. The National Pork Board helped develop resources for pork producers be more aware and prepared for foreign animal diseases.
These resources include biosecurity fact sheets for pork producers to use on their farms and when traveling or hosting foreign visitors. Posters are available to show symptoms of foreign animal diseases, so that employees know what to look for and report any concerns.
Research funded by the control funds and conducted after the swine epidemic diarrhea virus helped hog industry experts to rely on scientists to examine ways to mitigate the risk PPA is currently being implemented in China and in other countries. This includes work done on imported food ingredients.
"The research has demonstrated the ability of certain food ingredients to support virus survival under transatlantic or trans-Pacific shipping conditions in US ports and in locations likely to produce feed for pigs," said Paul Sundberg. , project director. Health Information Center. "For this reason, we want the US pork industry to review this research and study ways to prevent a FAD from entering this country by this route."
Webb said the USDA has an ASF response plan for the federal and state governments to take control and that the hog industry is playing a role in preventing the spread of the disease in the United States.
"That's why it's so important for pork producers to be part of the secure pork supply plan so that business can continue as quickly as possible," Webb said. "We have many resources available to hog producers to learn how to handle crisis communication."
SHIC-funded research cited by Sundberg shows that viruses can travel long distances with food ingredients, which means producers need to ask questions about biosecurity programs, employee training, pest control and sources.
"I am very encouraged to see how our industry groups have come together during this period of heightened awareness of the threat posed by exotic animal diseases to our industry," said Rommereim. "It's reassuring to know that we are using our collective resources to work with the USDA to help put in place real measures that can help protect our operations from this potentially devastating disease threat.
For more information on exotic animal diseases, preparation and prevention, visit www.pork.org or www.securepork.org.
Jennifer Carrico can be contacted at [email protected].
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