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USDA Beagle Brigade tracks African Swine Fever

USDA trained detector dogs, known as the Beagle Brigade, are a safeguard against foreign diseases such as African Swine Fever.

A dog from the brigade found a roasted pig head in a traveler’s bag at an Atlanta airport earlier this month, which highlighted the need for these efforts by the department.

African Swine Fever has not been detected in the US, but recent cases in China and the EU have prompted further protection from the disease entering and causing major damages to the US swine industry.

In addition to the Beagle Brigade, the USDA is working to ensure producers are following proper biosecurity measures and have restricted pork imports from effected countries. They are also working on lab testing mechanisms in case the disease ever reaches the states.

The department advises all producers to be aware of African Swine Fever symptoms in pigs such as high fever, red blotchy skin and difficulty breathing and to be extra cautious when traveling out of the US.

The disease is not a threat to humans.