Swine Flu Detected in Dominican Republic

African Swine Flu Detected in Dominican Republic

August 2, 2021

African Swine Fever

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Dominican Republic (Click here for PDF). 

How to Report Sick Swine

ASF is a foreign animal disease, increased biosecurity and vigilance is warranted. Please report any sick swine with clinical signs consistent with ASF to the State Veterinarian’s Office through the e-mail address [email protected], or by calling (850) 410-0900 (during office hours) or 1-800-342-5869 (after hours).

Clinical Signs

As a reminder, clinical signs of ASF in swine can include:

• reddening of the skin

• listlessness

• vomiting

• bloody diarrhea

• conjunctivitis

• lack of an escape response

• trembling

• complete loss of hind leg functioning

• high death loss

USDA Statement on Confirmation of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic

July 28, 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory has confirmed African swine fever (ASF) in samples collected from pigs in the Dominican Republic through an existing cooperative surveillance program.

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has numerous interlocking safeguards in place to prevent ASF from entering the United States. Pork and pork products from the Dominican Republic are currently prohibited entry as a result of existing classical swine fever restrictions. Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is increasing inspections of flights from the Dominican Republic to ensure travelers do not bring prohibited products to the United States. CBP will also be ensuring that garbage from these airplanes are properly disposed of to prevent the transmission of ASF .

USDA is committed to assisting the Dominican Republic in dealing with ASF, is offering continued testing support, and will consult with them on additional steps or actions to support response and mitigation measures. We will also offer similar help to Haiti, which borders the Dominican Republic and is at high risk for ASF detections.

The USDA continues to work diligently with partners including CBP and the U.S. swine industry to prevent ASF from entering the United States. ASF is not a threat to human health, cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans and it is not a food safety issue.

It is important to note that Classical Swine Fever has been present in Haiti and the Dominican Republic for many years and, therefore, the U.S. does not receive pork products or live swine imports from either country. The highest risk of ASF introduction into the U.S. is from pork products brought in by international travelers via sea or air. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol has increased inspections of products and personal items brought into the U.S from affected countries.

View the PDF file released from the Florida Department of Agriculture here.