The Exposition Boosts Biosecurity Amid African Swine Fever Concerns

May 8, 2019 — 

All swine must be individually inspected and identified within seven days of the show and an Iowa-licensed veterinarian must supervise the health of the swine as they arrive at The Exhibition. [Source: National Hog Farmer and IDALS, 6 May 2019]

Additional biosecurity protocols will be implemented for The Exposition, the live swine show that is traditionally held during World Pork Expo. In a joint announcement, Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture, and Clay Zwilling, National Swine Registry CEO, say the enhanced requirements for the event at the Iowa State Fairgrounds are designed to promote biosecurity and animal health as African swine fever continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia and Europe.

"Protecting the health of Iowa's livestock and our ag-based economy are our top priorities. These additional requirements are being implemented with input from veterinarians and other third-party experts," says Naig. "I appreciate the steps National Swine Registry, Certified Pedigreed Swine and the American Berkshire Association are taking to strengthen exhibition requirements and promote animal health. We continue to stress the importance of following proper biosecurity protocols at swine shows and on the farm every day to prevent the spread of disease and protect our herds."

Last month, the National Pork Producers Council canceled the 2019 World Pork Expo out of an abundance of caution as ASF remains a threat to the United States. Following that decision, the National Swine Registry announced the 2019 Exposition Open and Junior Show will continue June 2-8 with additional biosecurity requirements in place.

In addition to the original 2019 show requirements, the following protocols will be added for The 2019 Exposition.

1. All swine must be individually inspected and identified on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that was completed within seven days of the show.
2. An Iowa-licensed veterinarian must supervise the health of the swine as they arrive at exhibition event.

"Biosecurity and the health of swine at our events has always been a top priority," says Zwilling. "While these changes may be new for some exhibitors, it is critical to ensure that animals attending The Exposition are meeting the necessary requirements for travel and exhibition."

In its 16 years, the Expo Junior National has grown into one of the nation's largest youth hog shows. Organizers report that 1,500 exhibitors from 32 states and 3,500 hogs were expected for this year's show. The open show, presented by the National Swine Registry, features hundreds of crossbred and purebred boars and gilts from across the United States.

If exhibitors have questions regarding these changes, Zwilling encourages them to visit NationalSwine.com, CPSSwine.com or AmericanBerkshire.com.