As the summer season for fairs sets in, it becomes crucial to consider biosecurity, especially for those exhibiting animals, particularly pigs. Why is it vital? The answer is simple: we need to keep African swine fever (ASF) at bay.
Cory Bromfield, a veterinarian from the University of Missouri Extension, has observed a decrease in worry about ASF among pig producers and exhibitors. She terms it as “ASF fatigue.”
Since its report in China in 2018, ASF has been a topic of concern. Over the following years, the fever affected new regions, prompting the U.S. to enhance its prevention measures. As Bromfield pointed out, recent reports of ASF cases in Haiti and the Dominican Republic don't seem to have alarmed people as before. A lack of ASF cases in the U.S. seems to make it easy for them to dismiss the threat.
This diminished concern has led to reduced efforts in implementing Secure Pork Supply Plans, which are key in preventing ASF in the U.S.
With the fair season underway, Bromfield emphasizes that simple steps to enhance biosecurity can help not just with ASF, but also minimize transmission of existing diseases in the U.S.
• Wear specific clothes and footwear at the fair and avoid bringing these items back home to limit disease transmission.
• The same rule of dedicated clothing and footwear applies to the animals staying on your farm to prevent potential infections.
• After the fair, it's important to house returning animals away from the home herd for at least two weeks as a precautionary measure.
• Ensure you only bring back animals from the fair, avoiding items like feed, shavings, or manure that could potentially carry diseases.
• Adhering to these simple biosecurity measures can greatly contribute to maintaining the health of your animals.
By following these guidelines, we can ensure that the fair season remains a fun and safe experience for all.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-wikoski
Categories: Missouri, Livestock, Hogs