August 4, 2021

 

New health monitoring requirements for pig shows in Pennsylvania, US

 

 

Pig shows in Pennsylvania, the United States, will come under new health monitoring requirements due to the risk of African swine fever (ASF).

 

In July 17 quarantine orders, the state's Department of Agriculture said each show must appoint a swine health monitor to inspect pigs at check-in and then daily during such shows.

 

The monitor will turn away all sick pigs before they are unloaded. Other animals on the same vehicle as an ill pig will only be allowed to disembark if a fair veterinarian clears them.

 

Each pig must have a health certificate and radio frequency ID tag to enter the fairgrounds.

 

If a pig shows signs of illness during the fair, the monitor must document this finding and alert the fair veterinarian, who will forward the information to the state if necessary.

 

Breeding swine, which will return to their home farms after the fair, can be at a fairgrounds no longer than 72 hours and must be removed from the fairgrounds before market swine arrive.

 

Market shows at fairs and exhibitions that receive state funding must send all pigs to slaughter after competition. This rule does not apply to shows that don't get state funding.

 

Swine birthing areas may be open during market shows provided the fair takes precautions to prevent cross-contamination with the show pigs.

 

Vehicles used to transport pigs, materials that came in contact with pigs and pens and show rings must be cleaned and disinfected after the show.

 

Swine health monitors must take annual online training to identify clinical signs of ASF and other diseases of concern.

 

 

Animal health officials predict ASF would be extremely costly if it struck Pennsylvania, which ranks 12th in the US for pork production and fifth for pork processing.

 

- Lancaster Farming