Prevent. Observe. Report.
In August 2018, an outbreak of African swine fever was reported in Asia and Europe. African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease of swine with severe economic consequences. This foreign animal disease has not been detected in the U.S.
African swine fever does not transfer from swine to humans, and it does not affect humans. Affected pork is safe for human consumption.
To protect the U.S. pork supply from a foreign animal disease outbreak, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is advising swine owners and veterinarians about enhanced biosecurity practices, the medical signs for African swine fever, and how to report suspected cases of this disease. Industry recommends that producers know where their feed is coming from to prevent exposing their herd to feed that could be contaminated with African swine fever, or other diseases of concern.
Basic information about African swine fever is available through the following fact sheets:
The basics of biosecurity include:
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Controlling who has access to your animals and is on your farm/s
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Wearing protective clothing and footwear (farm staff and visitors)
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Cleaning and disinfecting your premises
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Isolating new or sick animals from your herd for at least 21 days
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Testing – know the health status of your herd
More information about biosecurity practices are available through the following resources:
The following are clinical signs of African swine fever:
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High fever
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Moderate loss of appetite
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Abnormal redness of the skin or mucous membranes (erythema); bluish or purplish discoloration of skin (cyanosis)
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Recumbency (leaning, resting, or reclining)
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Bloody diarrhea
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Miscarriages
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Death
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Multi-focal erythema
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Ears, abdomen
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Raised or necrotic areas
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Intermittent, low fever
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Coughing
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Painless joint swelling
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Loose skin from becoming thin (emaciation, stunting)
If you suspect any foreign animal disease of swine report this immediately to your veterinarian who will make a medical determination. For more information about the disease, view the Center for Food Security and Public Health
technical fact sheet.
If a veterinarian suspects African swine fever, they must report the finding to DATCP as soon as possible - within one day (state law). More information about reporting requirements and how to report a disease are on DATCP’s
disease reporting requirements webpage.
Diagnosis
The only way to confirm African swine fever is by taking a sample and submitting it for testing. Certain labs in the U.S. are qualified to test for this disease. Samples can only be collected by approved state or federal staff.
Treatment
There is no treatment for African swine fever. If diagnosed on a premises, the animal and any other swine it was in contact with must be euthanized to prevent the spread of the disease.
More information about African swine fever can be found through the following resources:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
The Center for Food Security and Public Health
For producers (National Pork Board):
