USDA Warning of Senecavirus A in Swine

The USDA says it’s important that any swine producers who come across blisters or lameness around the blisters of feet of their animals, get them tested to determine if it’s Senecavirus A or the far worse Foot and Mouth Disease.

USDA Veterinarian Dr. Jack Shere said the testing is critical.

“The only way you can tell the difference between Senecavirus A and Foot and Mouth Disease is through laboratory testing.”

A hog with Senecavirus could be allowed to move through the production chain whereas FMD is a far more dire situation for the producer and potentially the pork industry.

Shere said too often he sees assumptions being made by producers.

“It’s critical that we don’t get complacent and just say, ‘This is Senecavirus A, not a problem,’ and move the animals without testing because that complacency could lead to us missing Foot and Mouth Disease and spreading that disease all over the U.S.”

Any discoveries of FMD could result in major changes to the supply chain for pork producers, particularly if comes to exports.