African Swine Fever Protection Zone

Aug 27, 2021

The protection zone is another important step in keeping African swine fever out of the U.S.

USDA’s announcement that it will be pursuing a Foreign Animal Disease protection zone in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is another important step in keeping African swine fever (ASF) out of the U.S. and territories after the recent identification of cases in the Dominican Republic.

Prevention efforts are already in place in Puerto Rico, but formal designation from the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) allows USDA to seek zone recognition from trading partners prior to an outbreak, so the U.S. may continue to export pork if ASF is detected in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. As part of the zoning process, USDA will also work to increase awareness and continue surveillance in Puerto Rico.

USDA has been working with officials in the Dominican Republic to control ASF there as well. Combined with today’s announcement and the on-farm disease prevention efforts of producers here in the U.S., these strong controls are helping protect the commercial swine herd from the disease.

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Video: CEOs of the Industry – International Edition Michael Agerley | Partner, IQinAbox

In this CEOs of the Industry – International Edition, we sit down with Michael Agerley, Partner at IQinAbox, to explore how data is reshaping the future of pig production.

After more than 20 years as a veterinarian, Michael shares his unique perspective on the shift from hands-on animal care to data-driven decision making across the pork value chain.

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• How Europe is leading (and where it’s still lagging) in tech adoption

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• Why trust, leadership, and practical application matter more than ever

This conversation bridges veterinary insight, technology, and real-world farming, offering a clear look at where the industry is headed—and what it will take to get there.