USDA one step forward in protecting US pork exports

The news that African swine fever was detected in the Dominican Republic on July 28 takes on greater importance when you consider that it could stop all US pork exports if it spreads just under 400 miles from Puerto Rico, a US territory. USA. As part of its ongoing efforts to prevent the introduction of ASF in the United States, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, APHIS is preparing to establish a Foreign Animal Disease Protection Zone in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands , the agency said in a statement. By designating Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands as a "zone of protection," the World Organization for Animal Health's designation allows the United States to maintain its current animal health status in the event of detection of African swine fever or other animal disease in the island territories. “Their recognition will ensure the continued flow of US live pork and pig exports,” says APHIS. Once the protection zone is established, APHIS will have processes in place ...