African swine fever on-farm biosecurity
Description of infographic - African swine fever on-farm biosecurity
Fact: human actions are most often responsible for the spread of ASF
ASF can have a devastating effect on a swine herd. On-farm biosecurity is key to prevent diseases from developing and spreading. Here is how farmers can help:
Food and feed
ASF can be transmitted by contaminated feed or feed ingredients imported from countries where ASF is present. Contaminated food and garbage can also spread ASF.
- Source your animals, feed and feed ingredients, and any products your pigs come into contact with carefully
- Avoid bringing pork and pork by-products onto your farm
- Never feed pigs any kitchen waste (food scraps)
- ASF is harmless to humans, but if pigs eat even a trace amount of the virus, they could be infected
Remember: It is illegal to feed meat to pigs, including all pet foods that contain meat or meat by-products.
Travellers and visitors
You must stay vigilant when it comes to visitors on your farm. All visitors and workers coming to your farm, particularly those who have visited a country that is currently infected with ASF should:
- follow strict biosecurity measures prior to returning to your farm.
- wear clean clothes and footwear.
Remember: when returning to Canada, travellers must declare at the border all farm visits and animal contact
For more guidance on on-farm disease prevention, swine producers should consult the Canadian Swine Health Board's National Swine Farm-Level Biosecurity Standard.
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