African Swine Fever found to survive in imported feed

Farmers have been urged to strengthen their feed biosecurity after scientists discovered African Swine Fever (ASF) virus can survive on imports of feed and raw materials from Asia.

Scientists in the United States found that potentially-harmful DNA from the ASF virus could survive on feed ingredients including corn, rice and wheat, as well as complete feed, which had been imported to the US from Asia.

As research had previously shown the virus can spread to pigs from infected feed and water, they said feed poses a serious potential biosecurity threat.

Paul De Jong, swine nutritionist at Pipestone Veterinary Services in Minnesota, said scientists in China collected thousands of samples from feed mills to test bulk feed ingredients.

Of the ingredients and complete feeds tested, 1-2% was positive for virus DNA.

The researchers also detected virus DNA in dust around the feed mill, as well as on feed trucks and trailers, complete feed in bins, hair and shoes of feed mill staff, and in the fresh market where pig-meat is sold to shoppers.

With so many feed ingredients coming from Asian countries, Dr De Jong said having that knowledge should encourage farmers to make more considered sourcing decisions.

That could include asking feed suppliers about where their ingredients come from, and asking ingredient manufacturers about their biosecurity practices.

“This is a groundbreaking study,” said Dr De Jong.

“We focus on filtering air to protect pig health, but until now we’ve never really done anything with our feed.”