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For Immediate Release: Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018
Disease has no human health or food safety concerns, but could cause
significant trade disruptions
DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig highlighted the
importance of strict biosecurity by pork producers following the confirmation
of several cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) in China. The Iowa Department of
Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Pork Producers Association are
encouraging pork producers to be on the lookout for clinical signs of the
disease and to contact their veterinarian if they have herd health concerns.
“Unfortunately, we have seen a number of cases of African
Swine Fever confirmed in China across a large geographic region. China has
about 700 million pigs, or half the world’s swine population, so these
discoveries are a serious concern,” Naig said. “While this virus poses no threat
to human health or any food safety concern, it could have a devastating
economic impact if it would be found in the U.S. Our pork producers do a great
job with biosecurity and protecting pig health and the new cases highlight the
importance of everyone remaining diligent in their biosecurity efforts.”
Signs of ASF can be variable but often include high
fever, decreased appetite and weakness. The skin may be reddened, blotchy, or
have blackened lesions. Infected pigs may also have diarrhea, vomiting,
coughing and difficulty breathing. Currently, no vaccine or treatment exists.
The virus is easily spread between pigs by direct contact
or indirectly from contact with contaminated objects. The virus can survive in
the environment, on shoes and clothing, vehicles, and in feed components.
Uncooked or undercooked meat (including refrigerated and
frozen products) can carry the virus, making the feeding of food waste to pigs
a pathway to spread the disease. Ticks, flies, and other insects may also
spread the virus.
Feed ingredients imported may also be a potential source
of disease transport and producers should evaluate feed ingredient sources for
potential risk.
In addition to China, the disease had previously been
detected in Russia, Eastern Europe and Africa.
ASF is a reportable foreign animal disease (FAD). Suspicious
cases should be reported to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land
Stewardship or USDA Veterinary Services, especially when higher than normal
mortality is evident.
Biosecurity
Important for Farmers
Farmers can take steps to protect their animals and
prepare for a possible FAD event. Maintaining a high level of on-farm
biosecurity is the best protection. Tips include:
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Ensure biosecurity plans are up-to-date and
being implemented. This includes using a disinfectant specifically labeled for
ASF
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Proactively follow industry best management
practices if hosting international visitors or traveling abroad. More
information is available at https://www.pork.org/production/animal-disease/foreign-animal-disease-resources/.
·
Obtain or update premises identification number
(premises ID) for each location where swine are located. Forms to complete or update
premises registration information is available at http://www.iowaagriculture.gov/animalIndustry/pdf/premiseIDapp2.pdf.
If farmers have questions they
can contact the Department’s Animal ID Coordinator toll free at 888-778-7675 or
by email at idals_id@iowaAgriculture.gov.
·
Work with a veterinarian to use electronic
certificates of veterinary inspection or Swine Production Health Plan herd
agreements for all animal movements
Links for additional information
USDA
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
Center
for Food Security and Public Health
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For more information, contact Dustin Vande Hoef, (515) 281-3375 or (515) 326-1616 (cell) or Dustin.VandeHoef@IowaAgriculture.gov
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