Disease surveillance, eradication, and control programs have achieved significant success over the years in reducing animal disease in the U.S.
Yet animal disease remains a reality in the U.S. as illustrated in the following examples.
Click on each example to read how the inability to effectively trace diseased animals can have widespread consequences.
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The following case study illustrates how lack of identification can quickly impact an industry. Animals from the diseased herd were shipped to at least 20 other operations, and the lack of written records and premises registration complicated the investigation.
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a viral disease affecting swine. It is fairly prevalent in the United States, and is usually deadly among baby pigs. The disease in adult pigs is usually not severe, although some strains can be deadly.
Incident:
- An outbreak of pseudorabies occurred in Wisconsin in April 2007
Investigative Summary:
- Swine were exposed to feral hogs
- Owner had no written records, and could only rely on memory to identify diseased animals and trace movements
- At least 20 other owners received animals from the index herd, several of which did not possess a premises identification number
Impact:
- Outbreak jeopardized pseudorabies eradication status in a significant pork producing State
- Loss of status would require additional testing requirements and lead to lost marketing opportunities
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