USDA to host third African Swine Fever Action Week

Oct 02, 2023

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is hosting its third annual African Swine Fever (ASF) Action Week from October 2 - 6, 2023, according to a government-issued press release.

USDA-APHIS is encouraging US swine producers, small farms and pig owners to join us and learn about ASF and what they can do to help protect the US swine herd.

ASF has never been detected in the US, but since its detection in the Dominican Republic and Haiti in 2021, USDA has partnered with industry and states to enhance already strong safeguards to protect US swine from this costly disease.

”The longer ASF continues to circulate around the globe, the greater the threat to the US swine industry,” said Rosemary Sifford, APHIS veterinary services deputy administrator, and Chief Veterinary Officer.

Click here to see more...

Video: Genetics Behind Swine Resilience - Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, explains how genetics can improve disease resilience in pigs. She explores how resilience differs from resistance, the role of genetic variation, and how breeding strategies can enhance health and performance under disease pressure. Dr. Dunkelberger also covers practical applications and future implications for swine production. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Controlled experimental trials confirm that differences in mortality and performance under disease pressure are linked to genetic background, even when environmental conditions remain consistent."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger / jenelle-dunkelberger-9200ab86 is a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, where she leads the Global Health and Behavior Research Platform. She earned her PhD from Iowa State University, focusing on host genetics and disease response in pigs. Her work centers on improving swine health and performance through genetic selection for resilience and behavior traits.