United States: USDA develops partnership to protect pork sector from African swine fever

As part of its continued efforts to prevent the introduction of African Swine Fever (ASF) into the United States, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing a new partnership with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), National Pork Board, and National Pork Producers Council. Through enhanced coordination and information sharing, the four entities will work to improve ASF prevention and preparedness efforts. “A detection of ASF in US pigs could devastate the pork industry,” said USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Jenny Lester Moffitt. “Prevention is the best way we can protect the United States from ASF. USDA has many efforts geared at preventing the introduction of ASF, and this new partnership with NASDA and industry is one more tool we can use in the fight.” ASF is a deadly, highly contagious viral disease that affects both domestic and wild pigs. It does not impact human health but quickly spreads ...