Enhancing Biosecurity to Protect Against African Swine Fever

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is advising swine producers and other organizations/individuals who work with swine to collaborate with their veterinarian to develop, implement, and/or enhance their biosecurity practices after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced African swine fever (ASF) has been found in the Dominican Republic. This is the first detection of ASF in the Western Hemisphere in nearly 40 years, and the disease has never been found in the United States.

ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease of swine; there is no treatment. If diagnosed on a premises, the animal and any other swine it was in contact with must be euthanized to prevent its spread. ASF does not transfer from swine to humans. The disease does not affect humans, and affected pork is safe for human consumption.

Symptoms of ASF may include high fever; decreased appetite and weakness; red, blotchy skin or skin lesions; diarrhea; vomiting; coughing; and difficulty breathing. If swine are experiencing increased illnesses and death loss, contact a veterinarian right away to assess the situation, and report concerns to DATCP. Information on ASF and reporting requirements can be found at the DATCP website.

It is imperative that those involved with the swine industry practice enhanced biosecurity procedures as ASF is easily spread by direct or indirect contact and through contaminated pork products. Please review and follow your biosecurity plans.

The following links and attachments provide information about biosecurity and preparing for foreign animal diseases:

• Swine Foreign Animal Disease Prevention - Pork Checkoff
• Biosecurity - Pork Checkoff
• Biosecurity at Pig Shows - Pork Checkoff
• Secure Pork Supply Plan
• Biosecurity - CFSPH (iastate.edu)
• USDA APHIS | African Swine Fever (ASF)

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Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Division of Animal Health https://datcp.wi.gov