July 24, 2023

Biosecurity remains crucial amid ASF fatigue during US summer fair season

As the US summer fair season kicks off, the importance of biosecurity is being emphasised for those showcasing animals, especially in the case of swine, where preventing African swine fever (ASF) from entering the US remains a top priority, National Hog Farmer reported.

Cory Bromfield, a veterinarian at the University of Missouri Extension, has observed a decline in concern about ASF among pork producers and pig exhibitors, terming it "ASF fatigue."

Since ASF was first reported in China in 2018 and subsequently made headlines worldwide as it spread to new countries, there has been a significant response in the US to prevent its arrival. But with recent cases appearing in the western hemisphere, specifically in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, there is a growing sense of complacency as people believe they have already absorbed all available information about ASF.

One consequence of this "ASF fatigue" is a reduced motivation among stakeholders to work on preventive measures, such as the Secure Pork Supply Plans, which are crucial in preventing ASF outbreaks in the US.

Bromfield said that assistance is available for producers and swine owners in creating their Secure Pork Supply Plans. Extension specialists, funded through the National Animal Disease Preparedness Response Program federal grant, can provide support in the planning process, alleviating some of the time-consuming tasks.

To further enhance preparedness, MU Extension is collaborating with the Rapid Access Biosecurity app, developed at North Carolina State University. The app serves as a database to store the Secure Pork Supply Plans, enabling state animal health officials to make timely decisions in the event of an outbreak. Independent Missouri producers are encouraged to utilise the app by going through MU Extension.

-      National Hog Farmer