September 26, 2023

USDA-APHIS to hold third African Swine Fever Action Week in early October

The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) is gearing up for its third annual African Swine Fever (ASF) Action Week, scheduled to take place on October 2-6, and extends its invitation to US swine producers, small-scale farms and pig owners to join the event.

The event aims to educate and inform stakeholders about ASF while emphasising the essential measures stakeholders can take to safeguard the US swine herd.

ASF has never been detected within US borders. Since its detection in the Dominican Republic and Haiti in 2021, the USDA has been working closely with industry partners and states to fortify existing protective measures, ensuring the resilience of the US swine industry, noted a release.

Dr. Rosemary Sifford, APHIS Veterinary Services deputy administrator and chief veterinary officer, said: "The longer ASF circulates globally, the greater the threat to the US swine industry. Prevention is our best investment. If introduced here, ASF would devastate the pig herds that Americans and our trading partners rely on for food. And, if it were to become endemic, it could take us more than 10 years and about US$75 billion to eradicate."

Throughout October 2-6, APHIS will be active on Twitter, Facebook and its website, sharing insights into APHIS's proactive measures and how producers can contribute to protecting US pigs. Additional informative updates from APHIS and industry collaborators on the latest ASF Preparedness initiatives will be shared.

Through the Protect Our Pigs campaign, the USDA aims to raise awareness about ASF, facilitating rapid information sharing among producers and veterinarians to safeguard their herds and livelihoods, the release stated.

- Pork Business