Skip to main content

African Swine Fever in China

With the recent reports of African Swine Fever (ASF) in China it is a reminder of the negative impact that a trade limiting foreign animal disease (FAD) can have on pork producers. In China the ASF outbreak has resulted in quarantines, movement controls and mandatory culling of swine in affected areas in an effort to control the disease.

If you haven't done so already, the Secure Pork Supply plan offers producers the best opportunity to meet the expectations of animal health officials and demonstrate that your pigs are safe to move in event of a FAD. Information can be found at www.securepork.org.

ASF is a highly contagious disease that causes hemorrhages in pigs. Clinical signs vary depending on the virulence of the virus. Severe infections can cause up to 100% mortality in 2 - 7 days with fever as the main characteristic. Other clinical signs include bleeding (nose or rectum), diarrhea, redness of ear, abdomen, or leg skin, respiratory disorder, loss of appetite and depression. Diagnostic testing is needed to confirm ASF.

Domestic pigs can be infected through both direct and indirect contact. Direct contact is by contact with sick pigs or eating meat containing ASF virus. Indirect contact can occur through contaminated vehicles, premises, equipment or clothes.

No treatment or vaccines are available at this time, therefore biosecurity is the best strategy to avoid introduction of the virus.

National Pork Board has numerous Foreign Animal Disease resources available on their website. Including fact sheets on African Swine Fever.
Print Friendly and PDF

Comments