Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture instituted special exhibition requirements, in light of the ongoing rapid spread of African swine fever across Asia and parts of Europe and Africa. Now some fairs have canceled their swine shows entirely.

On May 31, Kevin Brightbill, Pennsylvania state veterinarian, issued a letter to fair board members, 4-H leaders and FFA advisers with the new swine exhibition requirements. Beginning June 1, no swine species shall be exhibited in Pennsylvania unless each animal:

All market swine exhibited shall move directly to slaughter following the exhibition and may not be diverted to premises other than a recognized slaughter establishment or slaughter market.

Since the annoucement, West Alexander Fair and Washington County Fair have canceled their breeding hog shows. The Big Butler Fair canceled its entire swine show.

ASF cannot be transmitted to humans through contact with pigs or pork, and only affects members of the pig family. ASF is transmitted to pigs through direct contact with infected pigs, their waste, blood, contaminated clothing, feed, equipment and vehicles, and in some cases, some tick species.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.