Factors to Consider in a Potential Eradication Plan for African Swine Fever in the United States: A White Paper

This white paper presents factors to consider and potential approaches for developing an eradication plan for African swine fever (ASF) should it become established in the United States. The white paper has been developed with input from USDA, State Animal Health Officials (SAHOs), and various stakeholders of the U.S. swine industry. The purpose of the white paper is to encourage discussion and consideration of important factors for ASF eradication amongst all regulatory officials and stakeholders. If or when needed, any national ASF eradication plan will be developed and led by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Extensive work has gone into planning for ASF in swine in the U.S. and these resources have been considered while developing this white paper (See Appendix A). Most current ASF preparedness and response information focuses on prevention of disease introduction, and on initial detection and response. This is appropriate because early detection in domestic and feral swine and an aggressive response provides the best opportunity to eliminate ASF in the U.S.

This white paper assumes ASF has been detected in the U.S. and has not been eradicated despite intensive efforts. If ASF is not rapidly detected and eliminated, eradication in domestic or feral swine, or both, is likely to be a long-term effort which may not be successful, as has been the case in many countries in Europe and Asia. Major differences between states’ commercial swine industries and feral swine populations will require state specific plans and responses. The focus of this white paper is on eradication in domestic swine. Eradication in feral swine will require a different approach and is beyond the scope of this white paper. A national commercial swine ASF eradication plan should serve as an umbrella that accommodates different state situations while providing consistent guidance to states to facilitate eradication and a return to disease free status. Given the difficulty and likely long-term effort needed to eradicate ASF, plans should be developed to regain some exports of pork according to the 2022 World Organization of Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code (TAHC) while the eradication plan proceeds.

This white paper contains information and suggestions for consideration only.