News

U.S. poultry sector observing African Swine Fever outbreak

The U.S. poultry sector is closely observing the African Swine Fever outbreak in China and parts of Europe.

Steve Olson, who oversees the turkey growers and chicken and egg associations in Minnesota, says although the species are different, there are commonalities responding to livestock disease threats.

“Based on what we went through with high-path avian influenza, if there’s a way we can help other industries or sectors have a better understanding of what that is and what their role is.  And I know the state board of animal health and Minnesota Department of Ag are also working with other industries on that.”

He tells Brownfield there are also concerns about African Swine Fever being linked to contaminated feed ingredients.

“That’s something that we’re certainly looking at because we want to make sure that any kind of a feed source that’s coming into the poultry sector is free of disease and it doesn’t transmit anything.”

African Swine Fever is not considered harmful to any animal species other than pigs.  It is not a threat to human health either.