What can pork producers do to preare for a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak?

The recent cases of African swine fever (ASF) in China is a reminder of the negative impact that a trade-limiting animal disease can have on pork producers. Dr. Dermot Hayes, economist at Iowa State University, at the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (CARD FAPRI) estimates that the first year of an ASF outbreak in the United States would cost the pork industry $8 billion. There are no cases of African swine fever in the United States. However, the current situation in China reminds us that it is never too late to prepare for a possible foreign animal disease outbreak in the United States. Dr. Dave Pyburn, vice president of science and technology for the Pork Checkoff, is providing producers with information on the current ASF outbreak in China and how U.S. producers can take steps to safeguarding their farm from such an outbreak.