APHIS to Establish ASF/CSF-Monitored Certification Pilot

Jul 06, 2020

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced a joint project on Tuesday to develop a certification program for high-consequence swine diseases.

In coordination with the Iowa State University (ISU) Center for Food Security and ISU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, APHIS will develop and implement a pilot African swine fever (ASF)-Classical swine fever (CSF)-Monitored Certification Program, APHIS said in a release.

This program will be based on the foundation of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) program for U.S. commercial poultry operations.

Undoubtedly, ASF and CSF would pose tremendous threats to the pork industry if detected in the U.S. APHIS said this pilot would provide a framework and support staff to further safeguard the industry by ensuring effective, and active surveillance throughout the country and the ability to quickly zone infected areas, if disease were detected. It would also provide assurances to trading partners and consumers about our animal disease status.

A team of technical advisors and subject matter experts from across the U.S. pork industry will help draft program standards for consideration. Then, a group of industry stakeholders and regulatory officials will review, amend and determine the standards to establish the program’s content, direction and requirements for certification, APHIS said.

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Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.