Two more cases of African swine fever (ASF) are confirmed in commercial operations in Germany. Affected operations are in the eastern state of Brandenburg and the western state of Lower Saxony, which is a major region of swine production.
Germany’s export market was already distressed as imports have been banned from several countries following the first confirmed case in the feral hog population in September 2020.
If a foreign animal disease such as ASF enters the U.S., it would likely eliminate the entire export market for an unknown period.
Nearly 30% of the U.S. supply is exported, generating $8.1 billion in value for the industry in 2021.1
Here are 3 things U.S. pork producers can do to protect their farms and the domestic pork industry from the threat of ASF:
- Annually, register in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to receive indemnity payments from USDA APHIS.
- Create an AgView account so animal health officials can accurately see animal movement records if a foreign animal disease is confirmed.
- Recognize the steps for onsite preparedness, including biosecurity, training and welfare and disposal planning.
More about ASF from the media:
- What We Can Learn from the Europeans About African Swine Fever* | Farm Journal’s PORK
- African Swine Fever in Germany’s Top Pig-producing State Poses Serious Threat* | The Pig Site
1. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
[Source: National Pork Board 12 July 2022]