Foreign animal disease preparedness seminars scheduled for this week have been postponed to April 22 and 23 in Huron and Sioux Falls. They’re sponsored by the South Dakota Animal Industry Board, State Pork Producers Council and SDSU Extension. One of the speakers is Animal Industry Board veterinarian Dr. Todd Tedrow. He says they have a state response plan in place should a foreign animal disease emerge.
He says they’re on alert for any animal disease that causes high mortality and high morbidity. Tedrow says they’re most concerned about Foot and Mouth Disease, with African Swine Fever a close second.
Tedrow says FMD impacts cattle, swine, sheep and goats while African Swine Fever effects only swine.
Tedrow says one of the best protections livestock producers can take is practicing good biosecurity.
