September 6, 2022

Montana, US Department of Livestock concludes animal disease training involving potential ASF outbreak

The Department of Livestock of Montana, the United States, had completed a recent training exercise to improve response to a foreign animal disease in a swine herd.

The four-day event involved a simulated detection of African swine fever (ASF), a disease recently detected in the Dominican Republic and Haiti. Traditional methods of disease control like quarantine and vaccination were used to prevent the spread.

The training was in partnership with the National Pork Board and the Montana Pork Producers Association.

Traditional methods of disease control such as quarantine, vaccination and early marketing are insufficient to control ASF, where large numbers of swine will die of the disease, according to the Department of Livestock. To prevent further disease spread, large numbers of animals may need to be disposed of after being humanely euthanised.

"Rapidly stamping out infections of ASF remains our most potent weapon", stated Michael Honeycutt, executive officer of the Board of Livestock. "To mitigate the impacts to the nation, it is critical to rapidly detect any introduction of ASF into the United States and effectively contain the disease."

The exercise allowed participants to observe novel depopulation techniques to improve on established methods of euthanasia such as anesthetic overdose, gunshot, or captive bolt which are difficult to use for large numbers of animals. Once animals are euthanised, carcasses remain infective and, therefore, must be disposed of in a manner to contain or inactivate the ASF virus.

The training also included mental health assessments, as large scale depopulation and disposal activities can have significant mental health impacts on animal owners and responders. Ideal methods of depopulation are humane, effective for large groups of animals and minimise mental health impacts.

"We hope Montana never has to experience a devastating foreign animal disease like ASF but preserving the welfare of our employees is a critical component of a successful response," said Honeycutt.

The training is one of five exercises sponsored by the National Pork Board.

- NBC Montana