USDA Recognizes Pseudorabies–Free Status of All U.S. Commerical Swine Herds

Veterinary Services

December 17, 2002

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service acknowledged a recent recommendation made by the National Pseudorabies Control Board and declared commercial swine herds in all 50 states to be pseudorabies–free for the first time in history.

APHIS is proud to have provided support to the swine producers across the nation who saw the wisdom in eradicating pseudorabies virus (PRV) and who contributed to the success of this effort.

Hundreds of thousands of hogs have been tested for the disease since the PRV eradication program was started in 1989. APHIS plans to
continue its PRV surveillance program through selective sampling of the national swine herd and in certain high–risk areas for signs of infection.

It is important for producers to recognize that the Stage V, or pseudorabies–free status applies to commercial production swine only. Transitional swine herds—any herd with pigs that are exposure to feral or wild pigs—have a risk of becoming infected from contact with an infected animal. Therefore, even in states with a Stage V–free status, pigs from transitional herds must still be tested for PRV and swine brucellosis before being sold or transported into another state.

APHIS plans to continue its PRV surveillance activities, controlling and cleaning up any infected and exposed transitional swine herds as they are located. Any infected commercial herds found will be immediately depopulated via existing PRV program standards, and the owner will be indemnified.

Note to Stakeholders: Stakeholder announcements and other APHIS information are available on the Internet. Go to the APHIS home page at http://www.aphis.usda.gov and click on the “News” button. For additional information on this topic,
contact Suzan Holl (301) 734-6464 or suzan.holl@aphis.usda.gov.

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