Advanced Surveillance Techniques to Protect U.S. Pork Industry from African Swine Fever

Enhancing Surveillance for Preventing African Swine Fever Threat in the U.S. Pork Industry

Abstract:

A groundbreaking research project, backed by a $800,000 grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, has been initiated at Texas AM University's Department of Entomology to innovate surveillance techniques med at protecting the United States' pork industry from African Swine Fever Virus ASFV. This initiative is led by Dr. Gabriel Hamer alongside his team, which comprises of Drs. Pete Teel, Job Lopez, along with scientists from the National Agricultural Research Organization and Makerere University in Uganda.

The primary objective of this four-year eavor is to develop advanced tools for quantifying interactions between domestic pigs and soft-bodied ticks known to be vectors of ASFV. The overarching goal ms at preventing potential establishment of ASFV within the U.S., recognizing its immense impact on industry stakeholders, including producers, consumers, and grocery store shoppers.

African Swine Fever: A Devastating Threat

The recent outbreaks in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean have illuminated the urgent need for a robust surveillance mechanism to prevent ASFV from spreading into the United States. An estimated loss of millions of pigs due to illness and culling in China's 2018 outbreak resulted in direct financial losses of approximately $10 billion, subsequently leading to an increase in global pork prices.

The proximity of ASFV to the U.S., particularly through feral swine populations and soft-bodied ticks, poses a significant threat. Dr. John Tomek estimates up to 4 million feral hogs in Texas alone, with over 35 states reporting their presence. The team's focus lies on identifying tickswine contact rates using existing and advanced methodologies.

Tools for Surveillance and Risk Assessment

The researchers will utilize an established technique - bloodmeal analysis - which involves collecting ticks from the wild and analyzing DNA from their abdomens to identify previously fed vertebrate hosts. Simultaneously, they are advancing a blood test that detects the virus in swine, enabling precise risk assessment through genetic markers of ASFV.

Innovating for Better Biosecurity:

The project emphasizes the development of innovative surveillance tools that can efficiently detect and monitor potential vectors of ASFV in real-time, ensuring proactive measures to mitigate outbreaks. By integrating these advanced techniques with existing biosecurity protocols, the initiative seeks to establish a comprehensive system capable of safeguarding the U.S. pork industry from future threats.

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The collaborative research effort between Texas AM University scientists represents a strategic approach toward strengthening the surveillance mechanisms agnst African Swine Fever Virus in the United States. This initiative underscores the importance of integrating advanced diagnostics and innovative methodologies with biosecurity practices to protect one of the nation's primary agricultural sectors from global animal health challenges.

By prioritizing these developments, the U.S. pork industry mntn its global competitiveness while ensuring food safety for consumers and safeguarding farmers' livelihoods agnst potential pandemics.

Keywords: African Swine Fever Virus ASFV, surveillance techniques, United States pork industry, biosecurity measures
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