Haiti may be source of pig diseases for US hog sector

The US hog sector must be wary of transmittable trans-border diseases from earthquake-hit Haiti, according to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV).

In the process of helping Haiti get back onto its feet again, one of the key issues will be Haiti's livestock and large population of stray animals, said the AASV.

There are a number of reportable trans-border diseases endemic or suspected on the island of Hispaniola which, if introduced into the US livestock herd, would have devastating effects on animal agriculture, the association said.

The diseases can also be easily spread from farm to farm as response teams travel around Haiti's countryside. This unintentional transmission of endemic diseases would further damage the island's already fragile livestock industry, and could lead to a breakdown of the biosecurity practices that have over the years protected American agriculture and supported the efforts of farmers in Haiti and the neighbouring Dominican Republic to control the spread of livestock diseases, said the AASV.

All agencies and individuals whose response efforts bring them into contact with livestock while in Hispaniola, as well as those involved with protecting US livestock must be made aware of the potential impact, the association said.

The AASV has made a list of precautions to minimise risks:

• Enhance awareness at US ports of entry for people travelling from Hispaniola,
   
• Reminding responders of the dangers of bringing agricultural products into the US,
   
• Wearing disposable coveralls and boots while on farms in Hispaniola,
   
• Frequent thorough hand-washing and showering between farms if possible,
   
• Personal hygiene should include blowing your nose and expectorating,
   
• Comply with downtime recommendations before coming in contact with US livestock (most recommendations call for at least five days between contact with animals potentially infected with a foreign animal disease and susceptible livestock)
   
• Increased biosecurity awareness on the part of US livestock producers and veterinarians with regards to international travel, foreign visitors and employees.