For years we have been worrying about African Swine Fever (ASF). Some may have said that we were too worried, especially with it only being detected on the other side of the world. However, this year brought us two cases right in our own neighborhood starting with the Dominican Republic. Since then, the pork industry has become even more diligent at keeping the disease away, and it has been paying off.
Education has been the key step for the prevention of ASF. Getting the right tools to the producers has been the mission of the National Pork Board (NPB) and the Pork Checkoff. Dr. Patrick Webb is the Director of Swine Health for the NPB, and he explains the efforts being made.
Dr. Webb says that if producers are concerned about what they may be seeing during the barn walk-throughs, they should immediately consult with the herd veterinarian.
Hog producer John Anderson says that the pork industry has long been an animal health innovator and that everything is done is to protect the health of the pig first and foremost.
Dr. Webb says that producers know their herds better than anyone else and that they should learn to trust their gut feeling.
For more resources and information, log on to porkcheckoff.org.
