By California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Jones
Due to outbreaks of African Swine Fever (ASF) virus in Europe, Asia and the Dominican Republic, and the presence of Classical Swine Fever (CSF) virus in the same region, there are serious concerns over the potential risk of introduction of ASF in the United States and countries in the Western Hemisphere. Early detection could be complicated because the symptoms of both viruses often resemble more common diseases of swine.
Therefore, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Animal Health Branch and the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory (CAHFS), working in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Veterinary Services and Wildlife Services divisions, have enhanced surveillance for ASF and CSF over the past several years. The interagency cooperative surveillance plan targets higher-risk populations, sick pigs, and mortality in commercial and feral swine. CAHFS is testing diagnostic samples from high-risk animals and all suspect cases are being investigated.
ASF is a highly contagious and deadly disease affecting both domestic and feral pigs. It does not affect human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans. ASF has never been detected in the United States.
Resources:
USDA: Swine Disease Information
CDFA: Swine Health Information