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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Heading to a World Cup Game? Leave African Swine Fever Behind

Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, APHIS VS Assistant Director of Swine Health

The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is on! With games scheduled from June 11-July 19 in 16 cities across North America, many people will be traveling into the United States and to neighboring host countries, Mexico and Canada, to catch a match. While organizers work to ensure a safe and fun...

Animals
Graphic showing a player holding a soccer ball with text above his head

Myth Busters: The Impact of African Swine Fever

Dr. Kathleen O’Hara, APHIS VS Assistant Director of Swine Health

Today, we’re wrapping up our myth busters series.

Animals
Image showing text "Pork can carry a virus that will kill pigs - and hurt our food supply."

Prevention Works Best When We Work Together

Jennifer Cunningham, Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

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.

Animals
Group of pigs with the text "Protect our Pigs. Fight African Swine Fever"

Myth Busters: Travel Rules & Regulations to Prevent African Swine Fever

Ann Carpenter, Veterinary Medical Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

In this edition of our myth busters series, we’re reviewing the rules and regulations on traveling with foods that contain pork and how you can be prepared for your next trip!

Animals
Image showing text "If a food contains pork, you can't take it with you when you travel to the U.S." and a bowl with food below the text

Myth Busters: The Facts About How African Swine Fever (ASF) Spreads

Lynn Wachtman, Veterinary Medical Officer at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

At APHIS, we get questions about what we do and the animal diseases we track. Let’s review some of the common misconceptions around African swine fever (ASF) — what it is and how it’s transmitted.

Animals
Graphic showing a scientist holding a sign

Planning a Caribbean Getaway? Don’t Give a Fatal Swine Disease a Free Ride

Katheen O’Hara, DVM, PhD, Assistant Director for Swine Health, USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Temperatures are rising, and so are requests for time off! Reports show that more Americans — 53% in 2025, up from 48% in 2024 — are planning to travel this summer.

Animals
View of a beach and land

Preserving Tradition: APHIS’ Role in Safeguarding Cherry Trees

May 13, 2024 Alexandra Scott, APHIS Public Affairs – Detailed

In a symbolic gesture of friendship, Japan ceremoniously gifted the United States with two live cherry trees at an event held on the D.C mall last month. The trees represent a future gift of 250 trees that will replace the historic cherry trees to be removed in a project to repair the Tidal Basin...

Plants

USDA Scientists Collaborate to Protect Endangered Species for Extinction

March 21, 2024 APHIS Public Affairs

As the majestic California Condor soars high in the western skies, the largest bird in North America inspires those who knows its near-tragic history. On the verge of extinction in the 1980s, this resilient avian managed to survive. However, it recently faced a new threat to its existence – highly...

Animals

From Rats to Readiness: APHIS & MIZZOU Join Forces to Protect You from Future Zoonotic Threats

March 12, 2024 Palmer Pinckney, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA, APHIS

Imagine investigators navigating city streets, collecting clues on a hidden health threat from the city’s furry inhabitants. Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) living in New York City are helping to uncover the secrets of zoonotic diseases – illnesses that move between animals and humans. This is...

Animals

Bug Boot Camp: 21 Days on the Front Lines of Fruit Fly Defense

March 06, 2024 Palmer Pinckney, Public Affairs Specialist, USDA, APHIS

Think 'boots on the ground' means desert camo and squad leaders? Nope, for me, it meant swapping press releases for pest prevention in Redlands, California. As an APHIS public affairs pro, I'm used to writing articles on agriculture, but this past December 2023, I traded my computer keyboard for a...

Plants
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