5 Ways to Protect Your Pigs from African Swine Fever

August 2, 2021 — 

Last week, USDA's Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed cases of African swine fever (ASF) in the Dominican Republic. The cases were identified through a cooperative surveillance program.  Here is what U.S. pork producers can do to protect pig herds and maintain continuity of business for the pork industry. [Source: National Pork Board]

1. Monitor Your Pigs for Signs of ASF
   Signs and symptoms include:
   • High fever
   • Decreased appetite and weakness
   • Red, blotchy skin or skin lesions
   • Diarrhea and vomiting
   • Coughing and difficulty breathing

   FAD Barn Posters and fact sheets are available in English or Spanish at no cost to producers on the Pork Store.

2. Report Signs of an FAD on Your Farm
   

   Immediately report animals with any sign of an FAD, including ASF, to your herd veterinarian or to your state or federal animal health officials. Timeliness is essential for early detection and preventing the spread of ASF.

3. Participate in Your State's Secure Pork Supply Program
   Secure Pork Supply (SPS) provides a workable business continuity plan for sites under movement restriction, but not infected with an FAD, such as ASF.

4. Enhance On-farm Biosecurity Practices
   Producers should step up their biosecurity measures by working with their veterinarian. This is especially important since the ASF virus can easily travel on shoes and clothing.

5. Create an AgView Account
   AgView is the pork industry's free, opt-in technology from the National Pork Board, which promotes business continuity by making disease traceback and pig movement data available to the USDA and state animal health officials on day one of an FAD outbreak. Create an AgView account here.

Read more at National Pork Board.