We talk at length about the diseases that affect the livestock industry, whether it is H5N1, PRRS, or BRD. One of the things we have been blessed to not discuss, though, is African Swine Fever (ASF) or any other foreign animal disease (FAD) of that caliber. We know that there are plans in place and that different agencies have a job to do in the event of a major disease scenario.
So, what does that look like on a state and federal response level? The first several hours are key. On Tuesday, farm broadcasters sat down with veterinarians, state commodity organizations, state vets, and the Chief Vet of the USDA APHIS to discuss what happens.
Part of the discussion was the role-play of an actual scenario of a disease outbreak at a hog farm. I stress again, that this was only a role-play of the scenario. At the point we are discussing today, the lab has just confirmed that there is a disease. This is done at both the state and federal levels. Dr. Justin Smith is the Kansas Animal Health Commissioner and State Veterinarian. He talks about what happens the moment a major FAD is confirmed.
Next, it comes down to what happens at the farm level. In this scenario, the farmer will have a few thousand animals that must be depopulated, which is no easy undertaking in itself.
USDA APHIS Chief Veterinarian Dr. Rosemary Sifford talks about what the USDA would be doing if a response is deemed necessary.
The next step is reassuring our trade partners that things are under control.
