Preparation is Key to Prevent Potential Swine Disease Outbreaks

By Taw Scaff

In livestock production, there are many unforeseen stressful circumstances. One major disruption to a swine operation is a disease outbreak.

The swine industry and allied partners have developed tools and initiatives to aid producers, state health officials and regulatory agencies in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak. Taw Scaff, North Dakota State University Extension swine specialist, details how producers can mitigate the spread of swine disease.

Scaff recommends first contacting the North Dakota Board of Animal Health to establish a farm's premises identification number (PIN). A form is available on their website at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/update-premises-identification-number-information.

Tracking disease statuses with AgView, a free tool from the National Pork Board, will help trace pig movement. This tool can assist state health and regulatory officials in case of a foreign animal disease outbreak and promote business continuity. A producer can share AgView data with state animal health officials when requested.

Scaff recommends becoming a certified swine sample collector (CSSC) to correctly collect, package and submit samples to aid in monitoring foreign animal diseases before and during an outbreak. A Category 2 U.S. Department of Agriculture-accredited veterinarian conducts training for certified swine sample collectors.  

It’s important to develop a secure pork supply (SPS) plan, according to Scaff. A secure pork supply plan is needed in the case of a foreign animal disease outbreak, with the main components being enhanced biosecurity, traceability, disease monitoring and personnel training. Each plan is site-specific.

Finally, Scaff says to enroll in the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP). US SHIP is an initiative sponsored by the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service with support from state and industry partners. This initiative established a playbook of standards for foreign animal diseases (such as African swine fever and classical swine fever) in the swine industry derived from current programs such as AgView, CSSC and SPS.

For more information or to help enroll in any of these programs, contact Taw Scaff at 701-231-4292 or taw.scaff@ndsu.edu or the North Dakota State Veterinarian’s Office at https://www.ndda.nd.gov/divisions/animal-health/state-veterinarians-office.