African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral infection of pigs. The ASF virus is not found in the U.S.A. It is a disease of profound significance and if ever identified in the U.S.A. will cause severe swine health and economic losses. Please be familiar with the signs of ASF in pigs (USDA web site link) and what steps to take to prevent its introduction into the U.S.A.
The University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is approved by the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) to test for the African Swine Fever virus (ASFv) as well as other foreign animal diseases. ASFv Testing can be done under two scenarios:
- Foreign animal disease investigation - In a situation in which an animal regulatory official is notified that pigs are suspected to be infected with African Swine Fever virus, a foreign animal disease diagnostician is dispatched to investigate the herd and collect samples if warranted. These samples would be tested at a NAHLN lab with duplicate samples forwarded to the USDA Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab at Plum Island.
- ASF/CSF surveillance program - Approved diagnostic specimens submitted to NAHLN certified diagnostic labs can be tested for ASFv if the diagnostician at the laboratory determines the clinical signs reported and lesions observed meet the criteria for inclusion in the surveillance program.
Please contact your veterinarian or the VDL for more information on testing.