As African swine fever (ASF) causes severe outbreaks across the globe, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) remains vigilant in preventing its spread in the United States. ASF may not pose a risk to human health, but its deadly impact on pigs threatens everyday life. An ASF outbreak in the U.S. would devastate the pork industry, drive up grocery prices, and affect what families put on their dining tables.
ASF Action Week (March 1–7) launches on National Pig Day, the annual celebration recognizing pigs’ contributions to agriculture and communities, making it an ideal moment to spotlight the need to stay aware and proactive. Thanks to vigilant government action and strong biosecurity within the swine industry, the U.S. has remained ASF-free, though the threat stays high amid global trade and travel.
What is APHIS Doing?
To protect U.S. pigs and keep farms safe, APHIS focuses on several key actions:
- Import safeguards: Restricting pork products from affected countries and inspecting shipments with Customs and Border Protection.
- Surveillance: Monitoring domestic herds and feral swine to catch threats early.
- Rapid response: Maintaining emergency plans and trained teams ready to act.
- Producer support: Helping farms strengthen biosecurity through the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP).
- Collaboration: Partnering with states and industry on outreach and preparedness.
These efforts keep ASF out of the U.S., but prevention requires everyone to stay alert and prepared.
How You Can Help
We all play a role in protecting pigs from ASF. Success depends on travelers, farmers, hunters, and the public doing their part.
Travelers
- Don't bring back pork products and declare all food or animal items at customs.
- Clean shoes and clothes that touched livestock or farms abroad.
- Wait five days after international travel before visiting farms, fairs, or zoos.
Farmers and Livestock Handlers
- Limit visitors and vehicle traffic on farms.
- Disinfect equipment, trucks, and facilities regularly.
- Enforce strict biosecurity for workers and visitors.
Hunters
- Don’t leave scraps or animal products behind.
- Report sick or dead feral swine on the Squeal on Pigs app.
Everyone
- Stay informed about ASF.
- Share prevention tips with your community.
Every prevention measure helps keep ASF out and protects the food, farms and communities we all rely on. ASF Action Week is a reminder that prevention works when we all take responsibility. Visit Protect Our Pigs to learn more.
