Pig movement restrictions have been lifted within the 5-mile surveillance zone surrounding the small commercial pig herd in Iowa with confirmed detection of pseudorabies. All premises in this zone completed round one testing with no further detections.
Following the April 30 confirmation, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in coordination with the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), shut down movement of pigs in this five-mile radius surrounding the site.
“All animals from both the Iowa index herd and the non-commercial source herd in Texas have been depopulated and properly disposed of,” APHIS reports. “All herds with direct exposure to these positive sites have been identified, and epidemiological investigations and diagnostic testing of these sites are ongoing. Cleaning and disinfection of the Iowa premises were completed on May 12.”
No additional commercial sites have been identified as having direct exposure to the commercial site in Iowa or the source herd in Texas, APHIS says.
2-Mile Surveillance Zone Remains Active
Officials say the 2-mile surveillance zone around the index herd remains active, and movement restrictions within that zone continue.
Premises within the 2-mile surveillance zone, along with all exposed herds, must complete a second round of testing 30 to 60 days after the affected site is cleaned and disinfected. This testing is scheduled to occur between June 12 and July 11. Until negative results from this second testing round are confirmed, movement restrictions for exposed herds and all swine premises within the 2-mile zone will remain in place, APHIS says.
The affected site remains under quarantine pending a 30-day fallow period and completion of the second round of testing for all exposed herds and all swine premises in the 2-mile surveillance zone.
“Strong biosecurity practices are the best defense for producers to protect their herds from pseudorabies and other diseases of concern,” APHIS advises.
Although this detection does not pose a risk to consumer health or affect the safety of the commercial pork supply, there may be limited, short-term impacts on exports of U.S. swine, swine genetics and certain animal products.
USDA is working with trading partners to clarify and mitigate these impacts.
“APHIS and IDALS appreciate producers’ continued cooperation and adherence to strong biosecurity practices,” APHIS says. “We are committed to supporting producers throughout this process and ensuring the continued security of the nation’s agricultural systems.”
Pseudorabies is a contagious viral disease of livestock and other mammals. However, pigs are the only natural hosts. While pseudorabies virus can infect most mammals, humans, horses and birds are considered resistant.
