Special Edition: African Swine Fever questions
Answers from our Secure Pork Supply Specialist, Dr. Dave Wright
What do veterinarians need to look for with ASF?
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease that causes septicemia, which can look similar to other common diseases like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), erysipelas or salmonella. The disease can be spread in a variety of ways but one of the biggest risks to pigs in the United States is ingesting contaminated meat, food or feed brought in from a foreign country that has a history of the disease. The African Swine Fever virus is very stable outside of the pig so it could also be tracked in on contaminated shoes or clothing. Veterinarians should make their clients aware of the risk of ASF and encourage them to call anytime they see unexplained death losses in their herds.
Post mortem examinations should be encouraged. Look for evidence of hemorrhage; (see images below) blotchy skin, swollen spleen, hemorrhagic lymph nodes, and petechial hemorrhage on the kidney, lungs and heart. Make certain to submit spleen, lymph node and tonsil when sending tissues to the veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
How can veterinarians prepare producers?
Veterinarians should make their clients aware of the risk of ASF and encourage them to call anytime they see unexplained death losses in their herds.
Veterinarians and producers can prepare by becoming familiar with the signs, lesions and clinical picture expected in an outbreak. Resources are available at these websites:
What is a Secure Supply Plan and what is a veterinarian’s role?
The Secure Pork Supply is a voluntary program to assist producers in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) outbreak. Its purpose is to provide a workable continuity of business plan for commercial pork producers that is acceptable to state and federal animal health officials while providing a safe supply of pork for customers. Veterinarians should become familiar with the Secure Pork Supply so they can assist their clients in participating.
Why should this disease be on veterinarians’ radars right now?
In the past year, African Swine Fever has reached epidemic proportions in China and has recently spread into Vietnam and Mongolia. It has also been found in Russia, Eastern Europe and Belgium. Many people travel to and from these countries who do not understand the risk of carrying the disease home with them in contaminated food or on their clothing. A lot of food that could be contaminated with the ASF virus is illegally imported every year.
How does ASF compare to other swine diseases Minnesota has faced?
If African Swine Fever was introduced into the United States swine herd it would be far more devastating and costly than either Porcine Epidemic Disease or Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome. It is estimated that revenue losses to the pork industry alone would exceed $8 billion the first year.
 African Swine Fever Lesions
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