Contaminated feed has been documented as a risk factor for the transboundary and domestic movement of viral pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), African swine fever virus (ASFV), and Seneca Virus A (SVA, a surrogate for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV)).

African swine fever (ASF) continues to impact the swine industry worldwide. During the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) annual meeting last week in Paris, member countries considered and passed a resolution regarding ASF.

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) continues to fund investigation into possible pathways of foreign animal disease into the US.

Keeping African swine fever (ASF) out of the United States requires more than diligence on the farm. International travelers returning home, or those visiting from other countries, present another significant risk.

The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) funded a pilot study to determine if a fluorescent powder could be used to study the transfer of contamination from livestock trailers to barns during marketing events. Conducted by staff from Iowa State University (ISU) in collaboration with Iowa Select Farms, the study addresses concerns that livestock trailers are frequently contaminated with PRRSV, PEDV, and other pathogens at swine slaughter plants in the US.