An African Swine Fever response plan is now in place following the announcement last week by USDA Undersecretary Greg Ibach. South Dakota State Veterinarian Dr. Dustin Oedekoven is pleased the USDA is taking the lead in coordinating that response should the disease ever appear in the United States.

He says there are several valuable components in the response plan including funding for virus elimination as well as indemnity payments.

Oedekoven says there’s been great cooperation between state officials and the pork industry in preparing for any possible emergence of the disease.

Oedekoven says another positive aspect of the USDA response plan is the national stop movement of pig’s order of at least 72 hours should ASP appear in the United States.