AASV Position Statement: A North American program is needed to manage the risk of foreign animal disease introduction through feed and feed ingredients

Based on the current body of knowledge, it is evident that feed and feed ingredients are risk factors for the transboundary spread of viruses, including African swine fever virus, classical swine fever virus, pseudorabies virus, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Currently, Canada and Australia have national plans to manage this risk; however, similar programs do not exist in the US or in Mexico.

It is the position of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) that the risk of foreign animal disease introduction through feed and feed ingredients is real, and that the countries of North America should work together to manage this risk. Therefore, the AASV supports and encourages:

• Development of a collaborative North American program of feed risk management.
• Programs that are science-based and minimize trade disruptions.
• Collaboration across federal agencies, feed and swine industries, and veterinary organizations to achieve this goal.

Approved by the AASV Board of Directors April 8, 2021.