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Improving feed biosecurity

A swine veterinarian says the conflicting reports that African Swine Fever has been found in feed ingredients in China highlights the need for improved feed biosecurity efforts in the US.

Scott Dee with Minnesota based Pipestone Veterinary Services says pork producers need to be proactive and can start by asking their feed mill if there are products coming in from China.   “For example, soybean products, vitamins, and amino acids,” he says.  “If that’s the case – I think we have to have a conversation with the millers and say this probably isn’t the best thing for agriculture right now.”

He tells Brownfield to ramp up safety protocols, mills are implementing holding periods for products that must be imported from China to let the virus die out over time.  “They put it into a designated site, they bring it up to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and they let the stuff sit for a month to a month and a half before they start to use it,” he says.

Bottom line, Dee says the disease can NOT enter North America.  “Because if it does, it is going to be a disaster,” he says.  He says the feed industry has also been collaborating with the pork industry to enhance feed biosecurity efforts.

AUDIO: Scott Dee, Pipestone Veterinary Services