African Swine Fever
Katelyn Walley, Business Management Specialist and Team Leader
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease that is rapidly spreading across Europe and Asia - with potential to affect the North American Swine Industry and have crippling economic impacts. While the disease does not spread to humans, is easily transmitted across hog populations, both wild and domestic.
The ASF virus can survive extreme temperatures for several months and many commonly used disinfectants, and causes high morbidity and mortality. At this time, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not allow imports of pigs or fresh pork products from affected regions. Symptoms of ASF include high fever, decreased appetite, weakness, skin blemishes, diarrhea, and respiratory illness. The disease is usually fatal, but if hogs do recover, they will continue to be carriers of the virus for several months. There is no vaccine or known treatment for ASF.
Proper biosecurity is the best prevention tool for swine producers. ASF can spread rapidly through direct pig contact, small insects (ticks, flies), contaminated feeds, materials and equipment, carcasses, and wild animals. Prevention can involve keeping pigs healthy and monitoring visitors (and their vehicles, equipment, supplies, etc.). Additionally, producers should not feed raw or undercooked pork products to pigs, and house pigs in an controlled environment when possible. If any pigs do become ill, isolate them and contact your veterinarian. When bringing in any new animals, isolate them for at least two to four weeks to monitor for illness. For more information, visit www.aphis.usda.gov.
Upcoming Events
Farm Tour
May 31, 2024
Holland, NY
Good Farmers Guild of WNY will be hosting a farm tour and potluck at Rise'N'Swine Farm on Friday, May 31st at 5 pm. Rise'N'Swine has built a successful business raising cattle, pigs, and chickens on pasture, and has an on-farm butcher shop. After the farm tour, there will be a potluck dinner. Please bring a dish to pass and your own plate, bowl, cup, and cutlery.
Rise'N'Swine Farm is located at 9806 Wagner Rd, Holland, NY 14080. There is ample parking in front of the farmshop. Farmers, people who work on farms, and ag service providers are welcome at this free event!
Broiler Field Day at Sunny Cove Farm
June 6, 2024
Alfred Station, NY
Join us for a field day to explore broiler production, processing, and finances. Meghan Snyder of Sunny Cove Farm will be our host. She raises small batches of organic broilers, processing them on-farm under the 1,000 bird exemption.
Cornell Seed Growers Field Day
July 2, 2024
Ithaca, NY
Please Save the Date for the Cornell Seed Growers Field Day to be held the morning of July 2nd. The event will be held at the NYSIP Foundation Seed Barn, 791 Dryden Rd., Rt. 366, Ithaca, NY.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.