Co Ag Commissioner on Swine prep
The USDA recently adopted additional measures it says it will take if African Swine Fever is ever detected in the US.
The federal office added that it is working with industry and state partners to keep ASF out of the U.S.
To that end, Colorado's Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg says her department is also preparing for the worst case.
Greenberg updated the Colorado Water Conservation Board
Greenberg: We’re also part of an interstate secure beef supply chain efforts. We’re doing emergency preparedness on animal disease, especially things like African Swine Fever in China. There’s a lot of preparation going on in North America to prevent an outbreak here. But should there be one we have incredible teams across state lines.”
USDA’s Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Greg Ibach said should the disease be detected, the USDA will issue a national standstill of at least 72 hours to prohibit all movement of swine. It will work with states and industry to utilize the most efficient and effective depopulation methods to prevent the virus from leaving infected premises and it will work proactively with industry and states to ensure producers have herd plans to deal with carcass disposal.
USDA researchers have been working on vaccine candidates that show promise against ASF. ASF is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting both domestic and feral pigs that has not been detected in the U.S.
