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All Americans have a role in keeping African swine fever out
An ASF outbreak would lead to mass culling of infected pigs, disrupting supply chains and causing significant financial losses to farmers, processors, and distributers alike.
Rosemary Sifford, United States Chief Veterinary Officer
November 1, 2024
3 Min Read
Recent estimates show a $15 billion loss to the economy in just two years and $75 billion over 10 years should ASF enter the U.S. National Pork Board
Since 2021 with its detection in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, African swine fever has been knocking at our door. This highly contagious viral disease, which is harmless to humans but up to 100% fatal to pigs, has already decimated swine populations across Asia, Europe and elsewhere. Its potential arrival in the U.S. continues to be a concern since our economy and our daily routines are at stake.
ASF poses a multifaceted threat to the United States, impacting not only farmers, producers and the pork industry, but also impacting the broader U.S. economy, including impacting the average American’s dinner table.
Economic fallout
First and foremost, ASF would deliver a severe blow to our agricultural sector. Pork is a cornerstone of American agriculture, with the industry contributing billions annually to our economy and employing thousands of hardworking individuals across the country. An ASF outbreak would lead to mass culling of infected pigs, disrupting supply chains and causing significant financial losses to farmers, processors and distributers alike. In fact, recent estimates show a $15 billion loss to the economy in just two years and $75 billion over 10 years should ASF enter the U.S.
Trade restrictions would be imposed, limiting our ability to export pork products to other countries and damaging our standing in global markets. This would further impact the bottom line of farmers and swine producers and severely impact the U.S. economy. The ripple effects would extend to feed suppliers, transportation networks and beyond, threatening the livelihoods of many communities that rely on the pork industry.
Rising prices and food supply
The economic repercussions wouldn’t stop at just the swine industry. With pork production plummeting, consumers would face soaring prices at grocery stores and restaurants. Pork is a staple in American diets, appearing in everything from breakfast sausages to holiday hams. Higher prices would almost certainly strain household budgets, impacting Americans across all income levels. Moreover, as pork would become scarcer and more expensive, consumers might turn to alternative protein sources, further disrupting food markets and potentially leading to increased prices as demand of those sources increased.
We all have a role to play in keeping ASF out
Along with our federal, state and industry partners, the public has an important role to play in keeping the virus out of the United States. Here are some things we can all do to help:
Avoid bringing pork products across borders and from overseas. Pork-based souvenirs, snacks and food can carry the virus, even if it has been processed and/or cooked. Always declare any food products to U.S. Customs when entering the U.S. to avoid penalties and to protect our agriculture.
Be cautious when traveling to farms or interacting with wild pigs abroad. Be sure to thoroughly clean your clothes, including your shoes, before you return home. You should also avoid visiting farms, fairs or anywhere where pigs may be present for at least five days after returning.
Be mindful of wild pigs when hunting or hiking. Hunters or hikers who encounter wild pigs or feral swine could unknowingly spread ASF—should it get into the United States—on your shoes and clothing. Your vigilance can make a difference. If you come across sick or dead swine, report it to the USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-4-USDA-WS.
Spread awareness. Spread information, not disease! Educating friends, family and colleagues about ASF and its risks can make a huge difference. Many people are unaware of the virus and its potential consequences to the swine industry and U.S. as a whole. Spreading the word helps create a network of vigilance that strengthens our country against ASF.
The time to act is now, for the sake of our farms, our economy and the well-being of all Americans. Together, we can work to keep ASF out of the U.S. and protect our livestock and food supply for generations to come.
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