Preparing for African Swine Fever (ASF) or other Foreign Animal Diseases (FADs) can feel chaotic, with global spread, trade implications, and response scenarios all competing for attention. Yet clarity doesn’t come from trying to track everything—it comes from preparation. When producers focus on a small number of critical planning points, they gain the confidence and readiness needed to respond effectively if ASF is detected in the United States.
Understanding the Threat
ASF continues to spread globally, and the list of affected countries grows each year. Most recently, Spain reported ASF in its wild boar population, highlighting another milestone in the disease’s international reach. Spain is particularly relevant for U.S. producers because its pork industry closely mirrors our own: it is a major exporter, and its profitability depends heavily on trade. Two developments there are worth watching:
1) Market impacts and pork price fluctuations as trading partners respond to ASF detections.
2) Trade implications tied to regionalization agreements, such as Spain’s new agreement with China.
While the U.S. currently enjoys “protection zone” status for Puerto Rico, no regionalization agreements exist for the continental U.S. This makes preparedness at the farm and system level not just smart—it’s essential. Preparing for ASF and other foreign animal diseases doesn’t have to be complicated. Clarity comes from preparation. For every swine producer, these three pillars of preparedness provide a clear path forward.
- A Secure Pork Supply (SPS) Plan and Enhanced Biosecurity
Every operation should have a clear SPS plan, including enhanced biosecurity for each site. This plan:
• Lays out step-by-step actions if ASF is detected in the U.S. and all pig movements are temporarily halted.
• Positions your farm more favorably with state and federal authorities when determining which farms may resume pig movements.
• Demonstrates proactive risk management and disease awareness.
Working with a veterinarian to create or update your SPS plan before a crisis occurs is critical. In the face of uncertainty, having a plan brings clarity and control. - Pig Movement Records and Traceability
In the event of an ASF incursion, national traceability data will be critical. Rapid identification of infected farms in our best chance to contain ASF quickly and prevent it from becoming endemic in the U.S. Producers should maintain:
• Electronic pig movement records that can be shared immediately with authorities.
• Daily updates reflecting real-time movements.
• Data stored in a format that is easily accessible and usable by animal health officials.
Platforms like AgView or RabApp are commonly recommended because they can quickly generate movement data in formats already compatible with state and federal response systems. - Participation in US SHIP and Site Certification
The U.S. Swine Health Improvement Program (US SHIP) is a USDA program in the process of being formally codified. It is designed to certify farm sites as free from ASF and Classical Swine Fever (CSF). US SHIP currently represents the strongest industry-wide effort to prepare for foreign animal disease events. Participation helps establish consistent health standard and strengthens the industry’s ability to respond collectively.
Producers are encouraged to discuss US SHIP enrollment and site certification with their veterinarian or a trusted industry advisor. Understanding the requirements now can save valuable time later.
Preparation Today Protects the Industry Tomorrow
True ASF preparedness isn’t about reacting to every headline or chasing every new development. It’s about focusing on the fundamentals that matter most: a robust SPS plan, accurate pig movement records, and proactive participation in US SHIP. In an increasingly complex global landscape, producers who plan ahead gain clarity amid chaos—and protect not only their farms but the broader U.S. pork industry.
