African Swine Fever Confirmed in Dominican Republic
USDA’s Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the first cases of African swine fever (ASF) in the Dominican Republic on July 28, 2021. The USDA identified the positive ASF cases through a cooperative surveillance program with the Caribbean nation.
The Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasing inspections of flights from the Dominican Republic to ensure travelers do not bring prohibited products to the United States. CBP is making sure garbage from these airplanes is properly disposed of to prevent the transmission of ASF.
Live pigs and pork products from the Dominican Republic have long been prohibited from entering the U.S. due to the country’s previous foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks. The nation produces nearly 1.2 million hogs a year.
Protect your pig herds and maintain continuity of business for the U.S. pork industry by:
Monitoring for Signs of ASF in Pigs
Request 12"x18" laminated ASF identification barn posters by emailing communications@okpork.org. These posters and brochures are available in English and Spanish.
Reporting Signs of an FAD on Your Farm
Report by calling 405-522-0270 or emailing asf@ag.ok.gov. You can also visit ag.ok.gov then click the Disease Alert tab.
Participating in Secure Pork Supply Program
The Secure Pork Supply (SPS) Continuity of Business Plan provides opportunities to voluntarily prepare before an outbreak. Read more: www.securepork.org
Enhancing Your On-farm Biosecurity Practices
The ASF virus can easily travel on shoes and clothing. Consider limiting foreign visitors to your farm.
Staying Alert & Informed
Visit porkcheckoff.org/news and nppc.org/asf regularly for updates.
Pork is safe to eat. African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease impacting only pigs, not people so it is not a public health threat nor a food safety concern.
Sign up below to receive ASF updates from the Oklahoma Pork Council.
Get Started with These 14 Biosecurity Resources
The Pork Checkoff provides research and best practices for producers to use on their farm. Get started creating a plan and reviewing biosecurity protocols on your farm by reviewing this sample collection of 14 biosecurity resources.
Download ASF posters below:
Visit the FAD hub