Naig: Enhanced Exhibition Show Requirements Promote Biosecurity, Swine Animal Health
Purebred Swine Associations announce requirements for The Exposition held at Iowa State Fairgrounds, June 2-8
DES MOINES, Iowa (May 6, 2019) – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Clay Zwilling, National Swine Registry CEO, today announced additional biosecurity protocols that will be implemented for The Exposition held at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, June 2-8. The enhanced requirements are designed to promote biosecurity and animal health as African Swine Fever continues to spread in China and other parts of Asia and Europe. African Swine Fever affects only pigs and presents no human health or food safety risks. There is currently no vaccine to treat the swine disease.
“Protecting the health of Iowa’s livestock and our ag-based economy are our top priorities. These additional requirements are being implemented with input from veterinarians and other third-party experts,” said Naig. “I appreciate the steps National Swine Registry, Certified Pedigreed Swine and the American Berkshire Association are taking to strengthen exhibition requirements and promote animal health. We continue to stress the importance of following proper biosecurity protocols at swine shows and on the farm every day to prevent the spread of disease and protect our herds.”
The Exposition is traditionally held at the same time as World Pork Expo. The National Pork Producers Council canceled the 2019 World Pork Expo out of an abundance of caution as African Swine Fever remains a threat to the United States. The 2019 Exposition Open and Junior Show will continue with additional biosecurity requirements.
In addition to the original 2019 show requirements, the following protocols will be added for The 2019 Exposition:
1. All swine must be individually inspected and identified on a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection that was completed within seven (7) days of the show.
2. An Iowa licensed veterinarian must supervise the health of the swine as they arrive at exhibition event.
“Biosecurity and the health of swine at our events has always been a top priority,” said Zwilling. “While these changes may be new for some of exhibitors, it is critical to ensure that animals attending The Exposition are meeting the necessary requirements for travel and exhibition.”
If exhibitors have questions regarding these changes, Zwilling encourages them to visit www.nationalswine.com, www.cpsswine.com, or www.americanberkshire.com.