The U.S. pork industry along with the USDA, FDA And Kansas State University are working together to prevent African Swine Fever from entering the United States. NPPC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom says they hope the combined efforts will keep U.S. herds from contracting the disease and facing devastating consequences.
African Swine Fever surfaced in China in August and since then has spread to Europe. Wagstrom says they’ve been concentrating on animal feed and dietary supplements that are imported into the U.S. where the disease can attach itself.
She says African Swine Fever has the potential to cause deadly damage if it were to show up in American pork.
Kansas State University researchers and the Biosecurity Research Institute have several projects focused on African Swine Fever. A Kansas State official says the research will help to improve the understanding and preparedness of the threat of the virus.
