Source: Farm Progress
International travel poses significant biosecurity risks for U.S. livestock operations, particularly swine farms, according to Jeff Morris, a swine outreach specialist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Travelers can unknowingly transport dangerous animal diseases, including African swine fever, classical swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, and porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome, through contaminated clothing, footwear, equipment, and food products.
To minimize these risks, livestock producers should avoid visiting foreign farms, livestock markets, slaughter facilities, and areas where wild pigs are present. After returning home, travelers should avoid contact with livestock for at least five days, thoroughly wash and disinfect clothing and footwear, sanitize electronic devices, and shower before entering farm facilities.
Travelers should never bring pork products from foreign countries into the United States and must declare livestock contact and animal products at customs. Morris emphasizes that even one biosecurity lapse could trigger devastating disease outbreaks, threatening livestock health, farm profitability, and international agricultural trade.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.farmprogress.com/animal-health/the-unexpected-biosecurity-risk-hiding-in-your-suitcase