March 14, 2022

Iowa, US veterinarians investigating bacterial strain in state pork production facilities

Iowa State University veterinarians are investigating the Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) bacterial strain that has been detected in nine US pork production facilities in central Iowa state since November 2021, KCRG reported. 

Dr Derald Holtkamp, professor of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine, said the bacterial outbreak is unusual because of its concentration, as the affected facilities are based within a 32km radius.

He said the bacteria spreads commonly through physical contact and does not survive long in the environment.

The bacteria can be treated with antibiotics, the veterinarians said, and they are investigating the bacterial strain's whole genome to find out if the serotype has evolved or acquired new genes to make it more virulent.

Dr Holtkamp said APP is not a threat to humans and affected pork are safe to consume.

-      KCRG