Pork Groups Help USDA Block African Swine Fever Entry into the U.S.

New cases of African Swine Fever (AFS) in the Dominican Republic have state and national pork groups assisting the USDA to prevent entry into the U.S.

Missouri Pork Executive Director Don Nikodim indicates, “There have been efforts to make sure we have the “beagle brigades” in full force at airports and shipping docks and other entry points to help catch any product that might be moving in.”  He said pork products that enter the U.S. illegally are incinerated.

National Pork Board Acting Chief Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Webb clarifies that imports from the Dominican Republic were already banned because of other foreign animal diseases (FAD).  "Along with USDA’s increased disease surveillance and enhanced screenings by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, these mitigation measures help ensure early identification and prevent the spread of this AFS and other FAD’s,” said Webb.  He also added that pigs can’t transfer ASF to people.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Should ASF find its way to the U.S., the results would devastate the pork industry. You may recall that ASF in China reduced their nation’s swine herd by over 50%. It is an insidious, deadly disease that spreads quickly and for which there is no vaccine or cure. The only way to control it once established is to depopulate an infected herd. Kudos to the pork producers and USDA for their vigilance. This is the type of disease that could put a real crimp in agricultural truck demand. Make sure to stay in contact with pork producers in your area to keep up on any future developments. For now, go forth and sell trucks to those pork operations around you!