African swine fever: Why vigilance today protects our pigs tomorrow

2 March 2026

3 minute read

By: Dr. Alan Huddleston

North America

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) remains committed to preventing African swine fever (ASF) from reaching the United States. 

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease, which is harmless to humans but up to 100% fatal to pigs. The disease has already caused significant losses in swine populations across Asia, Europe, and elsewhere. 

With ASF Action Week (March 1-7) on the horizon, APHIS continues to focus on keeping animals healthy and prioritize efforts to prevent this deadly disease from reaching the U.S. swine herd. ASF poses a multifaceted threat to the United States, with potentially far-reaching impacts for farmers, producers, the pork industry, and the broader U.S. economy. As we also recognize National Pig Day on March 1, a moment that highlights the importance of pigs to agriculture, science and society, it serves as a timely reminder of why strong vigilance and continued awareness around ASF are so essential.

APHIS’ Proactive Approach

APHIS is focused on a proactive approach to keep the country’s pigs safe. The U.S. has a robust system of existing safeguards in place to protect against foreign animal diseases; however, APHIS continually seeks additional ways to enhance these protections. 

It is undeniable that the economic repercussions of ASF would be far-reaching in the U.S. because pork is a staple in many American diets, appearing in everything from breakfast sausages to holiday hams. ASF would cause pork to become scarcer and more expensive, and consumers might turn to alternative protein sources, further disrupting food markets and potentially leading to increased prices as demand for those sources increased. 

Below are a few ways APHIS has enhanced safety to protect the country from ASF:

• Strengthening existing partnerships with Customs and Border Protection staff at ports of entry.
• Increasing inspection of passengers and products arriving from affected countries.
• Advancing risk-based restrictions on imports of pork and pork products from affected countries.
• Continuing collaboration with states, industry leaders and producers to relay the importance of strict biosecurity procedures.
• Evaluating and improving response plans that prepare incident management teams to be ready to deploy should a detection occur in the U.S.

Four Tips to Help Prevent the Spread of ASF 

APHIS needs support from federal, state, industry partners, and the public to prevent the spread of ASF in the U.S. Here are four simple ways everyone can help:

1. Avoid bringing pork products across borders and from overseas. Pork-based souvenirs, snacks, and food can carry the virus, even if it has been processed and/or cooked. That’s why it is essential to declare all food products to U.S. Customs when entering the U.S., to protect our agriculture and avoid penalties.
2. Be cautious when traveling to farms or interacting with wild pigs abroad. Be sure to thoroughly clean your clothes, including your shoes, before you return home. You should also avoid visiting farms, fairs, or anywhere where pigs may be present for at least five days after returning.
3. Be mindful of wild pigs when hunting or hiking. Hunters or hikers who encounter wild pigs or feral swine can unknowingly spread ASF via their shoes and clothing. Your vigilance can make a difference. If you come across sick or dead feral swine, report it to the USDA Wildlife Services at 1-866-4-USDA-WS.
4. Spread Awareness. Spread information, not disease! Educating friends, family, and colleagues about ASF and its risks can make a huge difference. Many people are unaware of the virus and its potential consequences to the swine industry and the U.S. Spreading the word helps create a network of vigilance that strengthens our country against ASF. 

The time to act is now, for the sake of our farms, our economy, and the well-being of all Americans. Together, we can work to keep ASF out of the U.S. and protect our pigs and food supply for generations to come. Take the first step and visit Protect Our Pigs to learn more about African swine fever.