Farms.com Home   News

USDA Launches "Protect Our Pigs" Campaign to Support the Pork Industry, Pig Owners, Veterinarians in the Fight Against African Swine Fever

The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announced today new efforts to help prevent the introduction and spread of African swine fever in the U.S. Through an outreach and awareness campaign called "Protect Our Pigs," APHIS will support commercial pork producers, veterinarians, and pig owners with information and resources to help safeguard America's swine population and the pork industry.

African swine fever is a deadly, highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs. It does not impact human health but quickly spreads between swine populations. People can also unknowingly spread the disease on their clothing, farming equipment, or by transporting uncooked pork products. African swine fever has never been detected in the U.S. but has recently been confirmed in countries as close as the Dominican Republic and Haiti. There is no treatment or effective vaccine for the disease.

"African swine fever is already devastating pork industries and economies around the globe, and if detected in the U.S., it could ravage our swine population, nation's pork industry, and farming communities," said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Jenny Lester Moffitt.

The U.S. is one of the world's largest pork producers and the second largest exporter of pork globally. If the disease arrives here, it is estimated it could cost the U.S. $50 billion dollars over 10 years.

Click here to see more...

Trending Video

Locks, Boats & Visiting Sheep Farmers!

Video: Locks, Boats & Visiting Sheep Farmers!

In today’s episode of our sheep farming vlog at Ewetopia Farms, we blend farm life with a bit of local sightseeing as we welcome fellow sheep farmers visiting from Alberta! After completing the morning chores, we take a scenic trip to Washburn Locks on the historic Rideau Canal—just minutes from our farm. With perfect timing, we watch several pleasure boats and even the Kawartha Voyageur cruise ship navigate the locks, a rare treat for visitors and locals alike.