Surveillance in an FAD Outbreak
In a foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreak, monitoring animals for disease involves close observation and testing as needed. Swine caretakers can use the surveillance tools on this page learn how to to find early signs of disease. Only animals with no evidence of infection will be eligible to move on a permit during an outbreak.
Potential surveillance methods include:
- Epidemiologic questionnaire to determine if the premises has had any contact with infected premises via animals, animal products, feed, fomites, or people
- Conducting Active Observational Surveillance (AOS PDF) (looking for, recording, and reporting any signs of FAD) daily by trained swine caretakers employed by the premises
- Periodic inspection of animals and AOS records by Accredited Veterinarians under the authority of Regulatory Officials
- Diagnostic testing as needed
- Reporting suspicious clinical signs to regulatory officials.
Observe!
In a FAD outbreak, producers should be vigilant about monitoring their pigs each day to detect any clinical signs early. Producers participating in the SPS plan should be able to perform Active Observational Surveillance (AOS) daily in a FAD outbreak. Individuals trained in AOS are called Swine Health Monitors. These individuals should be comfortable recognizing signs of FMD, CSF, and ASF and recording their observations. The following training materials should be reviewed by Swine Health Monitors participating in the SPS plan.
Swine Health Monitors…
people who normally look at the pigs and can recognize when something is “off”
Record!
Keep records of all observations.
Report!
Develop an Emergency Action Plan and report abnormal findings.
Sample!
Work with your herd veterinarian to learn how to collect samples in the event they may be needed in a disease outbreak. Pork producers can be trained by USDA category II accredited veterinarians to be Certified Swine Sample Collectors (CSSCs). CSSCs can be utilized to collect samples in a FAD outbreak to more rapidly test suspected farms. Ask your veterinarian or SAHO for more information if you are interested in becoming a CSSC!
Surveillance for Movement Permits
Additional testing may be required to move animal from uninfected premises in a control area during an FAD outbreak. Tailored surveilance guidance has been created for different types of movements (both animal movements and semen movements) in a potential ASF outbreak. The guidance includes a pre-movement isolation period (PMIP) combined with diagnostic testing performed by an accredited veterinarian or a CSSC. More information:
Additional Surveillance Resources
Diagnostic testing for FMD, CSF, and ASF can only be conducted at approved National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) labs, listed here: