The U.S. pork industry is a vital part of the nation’s economy, generating a $36.4 billion in total gross income and supporting thousands of jobs across the agricultural sector. However, African swine fever (ASF) poses a grave threat to your industry. ASF, a highly contagious disease that has a mortality rate of up to 100%, has decimated pig populations worldwide, particularly in Europe, Asia, and Africa. While it does not affect humans, the disease has far-reaching implications that affect your livelihoods and the entire pork supply chain. The 10-year estimated cost if ASF is detected in the U.S. is $75 billion—an amount that could have catastrophic effects on your business.
An ASF outbreak in the U.S. would not only devastate your operations but also have significant effects on other sectors. A halt in pork exports would disrupt trade relationships, lead to shortages in domestic markets, and potentially drive up prices, affecting food security. ASF is not just an agricultural issue—it is a national concern that could affect you, your family, and your community.
“The U.S. pork industry is a cornerstone of our economy, and its stability relies on each of you taking proactive measures to prevent the deadly spread of ASF on our soil if it were to ever reach the U.S.,” stated Dr. Burke Healey, USDA Domestic ASF Response Lead. “Your vigilance today helps protect your farm and ensures the resilience of the entire industry in the future.”
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been leading a proactive charge to safeguard the nation’s pork industry from ASF. In the absence of a cure, prevention remains your best defense, making biosecurity practices the cornerstone of the USDA’s strategy. By working closely with you and other industry stakeholders, the USDA is ensuring that U.S. pork productions remain safe and stable.
A major part of the USDA’s approach involves educating you on the importance of biosecurity. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) launched Protect Our Pigs to equip you with the tools and resources needed to keep swine healthy and reduce the risk of spreading ASF. This includes emphasizing biosecurity measures like limiting access to your farms, disinfecting all vehicles and equipment, and ensuring that workers follow strict hygiene protocols. Monitoring animal health is another key component, as early detection of any disease is crucial for containment. While these measures may seem like common sense, the scale of ASF’s spread around the world makes them more important than ever.
“Your farm’s biosecurity is the first line of defense in protecting your pigs and the broader industry from ASF and other diseases. By taking these stops seriously, you’re shielding not only your operation but the entire U.S, pork supply chain,” said Dr. Healey.
The USDA’s efforts extend beyond U.S. borders. The agency is actively collaborating with international partners to monitor ASF outbreaks in other countries, share data, and develop strategies to keep the disease from spreading across U.S. soil. This global network is critical for understanding how the virus moves and identifying potential risks before it reaches our country. The USDA’s role in these international partnerships ensures that the U.S. remains one step ahead in the fight against ASF.
In addition to preventing ASF from entering the country, the USDA is preparing for a worst-case scenario by developing a comprehensive response plan. The goal is to minimize the impact on farmers and producers like you, and the broader economy if an outbreak were to occur, but prevention remains the top priority.
However, the success of these efforts hinges on your actions as a farmer or producer. The USDA can provide guidance and resources, but it’s up to you to implement biosecurity practices effectively. This means every farm and facility, regardless of size, must take ASF seriously and follow the recommended protocols. Even one lapse in biosecurity could lead to an outbreak with catastrophic consequences.
For you, protecting their herds from ASF and other contagious diseases is not just about avoiding economic losses—it’s about protecting the future of your livelihood. By staying vigilant, adopting biosecurity best practices, and working closely with the USDA, you can ensure that the pork industry can continue to thrive.
“This is a critical moment for the future of your farm,” emphasized Dr. Healey. “Your proactive steps today will help ensure that ASF remains a distant threat, and your livelihood stays protected for years to come.”
African swine fever is a formidable adversary, but through proactive measures and collaboration between farmers, producers, and the USDA, you can help protect your pigs, your business, and your community. The stakes are high, but by working together, you can remain resilient in the face of global threats like ASF and ensure a secure and prosperous future for farmers and producers like you nationwide.
Visit aphis.usda.gov/ProtectOurPigs for more information. To report sick or dead swine, contact your local wildlife agency or the USDA. Let’s work together to protect our valuable resources and ensure the health of our agricultural communities.
