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Learning how to recognize an FAD is critical to recognizing and reporting the disease early. It’s also important to demonstrate your pigs have no evidence of an infection so you can request a movement permit during an outbreak.
What does African Swine Fever look like?
What does African Swine Fever look like?
Sudden deaths with few lesions could be the first sign of an infection in a group of pigs. Other symptoms include:
- high fever (105-108 degrees F)
- anorexia
- lethargy
- weakness
- recumbancy
Redness and blotching of the skin may also be seen, especially on ears, tail, legs, and ham. Bloody diarrhea may occur, as well as abortions in pregnant sows. Strongly consider carrying a thermometer and taking temperatures of sick pigs.
Tools available for disease monitoring
Tools available for disease monitoring
- Secure Pork Supply
- Disease monitoring resources for producers
- Disease information
- Training materials - Materials to help train caretakers so they know what is expected of them and contribute to protecting the herd in an outbreak
- National Pork Board
- FAD Posters - free from the Pork Store - Type "FAD" in the search bar to find the posters.
- African Swine Fever - What producers need to know
- Your herd veterinarian can also be a great resource!
Record your observations
Record your observations
Recording your animal observations will help determine if you have increasing mortality or suspicious clinical signs that could be an FAD in your barn. If signs are observed, contact your manager or veterinarian. If you do not already have Daily Observation Logs you are using on your farm, you can find a form here.
Report suspicious signs
Report suspicious signs
Having an Emergency Action Plan helps everyone know who to call if they think their pigs may have an FAD. Clearly communicate to all caretakers if they are supposed to call their supervisor, herd vet, or State Animal Health Official in the event that they see something that may be an FAD.
A copy of an Emergency Action Plan can be found here.
Training
Training
Be sure to train your barn workers in all aspects of monitoring for the disease:
- Observing clinical signs
- Recording health observations
- Who to call if they see suspicious clinical signs
Being prepared by having everyone trained can help in several ways. It could help you identify the disease early on, minimizing spread to other animals/farms. It can also reduce the stress of barn workers if the plan for disease reporting has been clearly communicated. Make sure to document the training too.
Training Materials
Training Materials
- Your herd veterinarian can be a great resource
- Resources at www.securepork.org
- FAD Barn Posters of clinical signs from the National Pork Board Pork (Type "FAD" in the search bar to find the posters)
- Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship - Resources on clinical signs and reporting
Anyone (veterinarians, producers, animal owners, etc.) who is suspicious of a reportable animal disease is required to report it to a Federal (866-536-7593) or State Animal Health Official (515-281-5305).
Anyone (veterinarians, producers, animal owners, etc.) who is suspicious of a reportable animal disease is required to report it to a Federal (866-536-7593) or State Animal Health Official (515-281-5305).
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