African Swine Fever (ASF) continues to challenge global pork production. Present in over 50 countries, ASF is persistent in both domestic and wild pig populations. On Feb. 23, South Korea confirmed its 20th case of the season at a pig farm in Euiryeong.
Meanwhile, Spain continues to fight the spread of ASF in its wild boar population. Vietnam has reported nearly 1,000 outbreaks across multiple provinces. Taiwan confirmed its first case of ASF on Oct. 25. The country recently filed an application to the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) to self-declare the nation free of ASF, as no positive cases were detected over the past three months.
The Stakes for the U.S. Industry
Although ASF has never been detected in the U.S., its presence in the Dominican Republic and Haiti—the closest it has been to the mainland in decades—has kept domestic officials on high alert. The economic consequences of an introduction are staggering. Adis Dijab, APHIS Associate Deputy Administrator, warns that an outbreak could cause up to $75 billion in losses over a decade, primarily through herd loss and the immediate closure of international trade markets.
“African swine fever doesn’t threaten human health or food safety, but for U.S. pig producers, its arrival would be devastating,” Adis Dijab, APHIS Associate Deputy Administrator, says in a release. “An outbreak would disrupt domestic production, inflate feed and input costs, and jeopardize access to international markets—putting the entire pork industry at risk.”
USDA Launches ASF Action Week
To bolster domestic defenses, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is hosting its fifth ASF Action Week from March 1–7. The initiative encourages producers of all sizes to review biosecurity protocols and join the effort to keep ASF out of the U.S.
Through the “Protect Our Pigs” campaign, the USDA is providing free resources, including training guides and downloadable materials, to help veterinarians and producers defend their livelihoods. Visit www.aphis.usda.gov/protectourpigs for more information.
ASF does not affect humans but is fatal to pigs. Efforts are underway, but there is currently no commercial vaccine or cure for the disease.
