African Swine Fever (ASF) has been on the forefront of the pork industry for more than two years. It forced the cancellation of the World Pork Expo in 2019 and has caused us to implement stricter livestock rules at the Iowa State Fair since then as well. While U.S. researchers have been working to help find a solution for the world?s pork producers, the discovery of the disease for the first time in the Western Hemisphere has given the work a sense of urgency. The National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff have been invested in ASF research programs for quite some time.
The discovery of ASF in the Dominican Republic two weeks ago has led to many questions in the United States about how to prepare for, prevent, and control any outbreaks inside our borders. The Pork Checkoff has funded over thirty swine disease research projects, with an investment of over three and a half million dollars. Dr. Lisa Becton is the National Pork Board?s Director of Swine Health. She talks about the research being done.
One aspect they are looking closely at is the time, temperature, and carbon resources needed to inactivate the virus through composting. Also, they are looking into the virus?s survivability in manure.
To put it in perspective, the discovery of ASF in the Dominican means the virus is less than 1,000 miles from the United States. Dr. Becton says maintaining biosecurity at hog facilities is paramount. Also, it is time to start scrutinizing the first stages of your contingency plan for where you will get supplies.
There are steps producers can already be taking to get ahead of the curve.
1). Create a free AgView account
2). Participate in the Secure Pork Supply Program
3). Visit go.porkcheckoff.org/asf for updated information.
