A recent webinar hosted by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) in collaboration with the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) is reinforcing a critical message for producers and veterinarians: when it comes to vesicular disease, speed matters.
The session focused on the growing presence of Senecavirus A (SVA) and its similarities to Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)—a combination that presents a serious diagnostic and biosecurity challenge for the industry.
Rising Detection of Senecavirus A
Dr. Ann Carpenter, Veterinary Medical Officer with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), noted that SVA detections have increased significantly in the United States since around 2016.
While SVA itself is not considered a foreign animal disease, its clinical presentation closely mirrors that of FMD—one of the most economically devastating livestock diseases globally.
Clinical Signs Alone Are Not Enough
A key takeaway from the webinar is clear:
Vesicular lesions in swine cannot be diagnosed based on appearance alone.
According to Dr. Carpenter, both SVA and FMD present similarly, meaning every case must be tested to rule out FMD.
This creates a critical reliance on:
- Rapid reporting
- Immediate diagnostic testing
- Clear communication between producers and veterinarians
Why Foot-and-Mouth Disease Is a Major Threat
FMD remains one of the most concerning disease risks to the North American livestock industry due to several factors:
- Highly contagious with a very low infectious dose
- Broad host range, impacting not just swine but cattle and other livestock
- Environmental persistence, surviving on boots, equipment, and vehicles
- Transmission through animal products, including meat and milk
- Airborne spread potential, allowing rapid regional transmission
- Viral shedding before clinical signs, increasing the risk of undetected spread
These characteristics make early detection and containment absolutely essential.
The Role of Rapid Response
Dr. Carpenter emphasized that speed is the industry’s greatest defense in the event of a potential FMD detection.
Early action allows for:
- Faster implementation of control measures
- Reduced spread within and between farms
- More effective containment of outbreaks
- Minimization of economic and production losses
In short, time lost in diagnosis can translate directly into disease spread.
Constant Vigilance Required
Adding to the complexity, the global distribution of FMD is constantly evolving, increasing the importance of ongoing surveillance and preparedness.
For producers, this means:
- Maintaining strict biosecurity protocols
- Reporting suspicious symptoms immediately
- Working closely with veterinarians and regulatory authorities
Bottom Line
The overlap between Senecavirus A and Foot-and-Mouth Disease is more than a diagnostic challenge—it’s a reminder of how quickly risk can escalate.
As highlighted in the SHIC/AASV webinar, every vesicular lesion must be treated with urgency and tested accordingly.
In today’s environment, protecting herd health—and the broader industry—comes down to one simple principle:
See something, test it, and act fast.
Additional resources on Senecavirus A and Foot-and-Mouth Disease are available through the Swine Health Information Center.
