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African swine fever management failing in Hispaniola

The situation with African swine fever in the Western Hemisphere is becoming more dire. 

National Pork Producers Council director of animal health Dr. Anna Forseth says ASF is now considered endemic in the Dominican Republic and Haiti despite substantial U.S. investment to eradicate the disease.

“African swine fever management just isn’t able to be a priority given all the other factors going on in those countries, so we’re looking to pull back resources and money and focus more on domestic preparedness.”

Speaking to Brownfield during the World Pork Expo in Des Moines Wednesday, she said traceability is a big focus going forward.

“And then domestically, another area of focus for the industry right now is on permitted movements and a consistent permit opportunity for producers who might find themselves in a high-risk area.”