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Handling a Foreign Disease (FAD) Incident: A Guide for Swine Producers

Handling a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) Incident: A Guide for Swine Producers

 

In the unfortunate event of a Foreign Animal Disease incident, swine producers must adhere to epidemiological controls, primarily guided by the USDA-APHIS Red Book. This essential document outlines movement and testing requirements during a FAD event.

 

Initial Response:

Upon detection of an infected premise within the U.S., a 72-hour standstill is implemented. During this period, no swine movement is allowed. Efforts are made to identify infected premises and establish a 5km (subject to the animal health official) control zone around them. Farms within this zone, though uninfected, become at-risk or monitored premises. Movements in or out of these premises require permits.

 

Movement Permits: Operational and Production:

To maintain business continuity, producers may apply for Operational and Production permits. The former covers movements of equipment, service crews, carcasses, etc., within or out of a control zone. The latter is used for the movement of animals and animal products (e.g., semen).

 

Permit Application Process:

To obtain a permit requires these eight steps:

  1. Producers Request Permit
  2. Enter/Confirm Data in EMRS2
  3. Review Pending Permit and Documentation
  4. Origin State Notifies Destination State
  5. Destination State Approves/Denies Permit
  6. Destination State Notifies Origin State of Decision
  7. Origin State Issues Permit
  8. Permitted Movement Occurs

 

Important Information for Producers:

Producers are responsible for requesting permits through the EMRS2 Gateway or by contacting a state animal health official.

Key details to be aware of when applying for permits include:

  1. Permit Class (into, out of, or within Control Area)
  2. Permit Reason (direct to farm, into commerce, or direct to slaughter)
  3. Origin and Destination Premises
  4. Items permitted to move (e.g., manure/litter, feed, groups, and species of animals)
  5. Item Class (further description of the species/type of animal)
  6. Duration/Span of Permit (movement dates, expected duration, and validity period)

 

Premovement Isolation Period:

Before movement, a premovement isolation period must be completed, with criteria for a Monitored Premises designation and a premises identification number. The period is 3 or 5 days, with heightened biosecurity measures depending on the movement type.

 

Strict biosecurity requirements include:

  • People or items crossing the line of separation
  • Cleaning and disinfection of vehicles or items entering the site

 

Movements on/off premises with appropriate biosecurity are categorized as:

  • Allowed (e.g., feed, essential personnel, emergency needs)
  • Prohibited (e.g., live animals, mortality/manure/garbage removal)

 

Producers' Responsibilities:

  1. Producers need to consider various factors:
  2. Premise ID from each farm
  3. Premise ID linked to the 911 address
  4. Information on potential destinations
  5. An enhanced biosecurity plan
  6. Availability of a certified sampler
  7. A plan for handling garbage and mortalities during a premovement isolation period
  8. Identification of essential personnel from all farms

 

Secure Pork Supply plans can assist producers in preparing and navigating through the steps outlined above. But remember Secure Pork Supply plans are not a requirement of permitting and do not guarantee an increased speed or success of a permit.