USDA has a proven track record of protecting U.S. farmers and has many safeguards in place to prevent the introduction of foreign animal diseases.

When African swine fever was detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, USDA immediately enhanced existing exclusion efforts due to the proximity of the detections to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Working closely with federal partners, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and industry, USDA renewed its commitment to protecting U.S. swine:

To further protect U.S. swine production, USDA suspended the interstate movement of all live swine, swine germplasm, swine products, and swine byproducts from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland. USDA also established an OIE-recognized foreign animal disease protection zone around Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to prevent disease entry and protect mainland producers and their markets.

Here at home, USDA has also reached out to domestic producers to remind them how critically important biosecurity is on U.S. farms. Experts are examining possible ASF-introduction pathways alongside industry and academic experts and identifying risk-reducing strategies.

Through the Protect Our Pigs campaign, USDA is raising awareness of ASF to help commercial pork producers, veterinarians, pig owners and hobbyists quickly find and share actionable information to defend their herds and livelihoods. Free resources, such as custom videos, downloadable materials, and interactive training guides are available at the Protect Our Pigs website.

USDA also encourages travelers to check out the information on the APHIS website to learn what they can do to help stop ASF from reaching the United States.

Source: USDA APHIS, 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.