By Scout Nelson
University of Minnesota Extension swine educator Diane DeWitte is encouraging pork producers to make preparedness a priority. She emphasizes that advance planning can help protect animal health and maintain farm operations during disease outbreaks and other emergencies.
Foreign animal diseases remain a key concern for the livestock industry. African Swine Fever (ASF) is one of the biggest threats to the swine sector, while Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) can affect all cloven-hoofed livestock and disrupt animal movement.
Federal and state animal health agencies regularly conduct preparedness exercises to strengthen outbreak response plans. In Minnesota, the Board of Animal Health, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and the USDA work together to coordinate disease prevention and emergency response efforts.
A recent multi-state exercise focused on vaccination strategies for a potential Foot-and-Mouth Disease outbreak in cattle and swine. These drills help identify weaknesses in response plans and allow agencies and producers to make improvements before a real emergency occurs.
Disease surveillance and laboratory testing are also important components of preparedness. The USDA's National Animal Health Laboratory Network supports animal disease diagnosis, with the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory serving as a key resource in the region.
Minnesota has also expanded its network of Certified Swine Sample Collectors. These trained individuals can assist veterinarians during a disease outbreak by collecting and submitting samples for diagnostic testing.
Carcass management remains another critical area of preparedness. Researchers, industry organizations, and government agencies continue to evaluate safe and effective methods for disposing of livestock affected by disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
DeWitte encourages livestock owners to obtain and maintain a Premises Identification Number (PIN). Maintaining accurate premises information helps animal health officials respond more effectively during disease investigations and emergency situations.
Producers are also advised to create contingency plans for livestock care in the event of illness, injury, or other unexpected circumstances. University of Minnesota Extension provides planning resources to help producers organize essential operational information.
The Secure Pork Supply (SPS) program offers additional preparedness tools for swine operations. The program helps farms develop enhanced biosecurity plans covering access control, mortality management, employee movement, and feed deliveries.
Although the United States has not experienced a recent foreign animal disease outbreak in swine, proactive preparation remains essential. Strong biosecurity, emergency planning, and ongoing training can help producers protect their herds and support the long-term health of the pork industry.
Even mature corn fields that are not worth harvesting for grain may still provide valuable forage during the fall and winter. Early planning for fencing, water access, and grazing management can help producers capture additional value from these fields.
Photo Credit: istock-srdjan-stepic
Categories: Minnesota, Livestock