African Swine Fever strikes a major farm in Estonia, while Egypt identifies a fourth Foot and Mouth Disease strain. These outbreaks underscore the importance of robust monitoring and stringent bio-security measures across the global pork industry.
The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) outlines the situation in its September disease monitoring reports. Associate Director Dr. Lisa Becton says the numbers show why constant vigilance matters.
“ASF in Estonia hit a 27,000 pig facility, about 45 percent of the country’s production, raising concerns over pork supplies,” said Becton. “In Egypt, officials identified Foot and Mouth SAT-1, adding a fourth strain to those already circulating. Reports also showed more illicit movement of animal products targeting Indonesia, the U.S., and Malaysia. Without monitoring, we lose sight of disease risks and how countries respond to them. That information is vital for control, prevention, and preparedness.”
She stresses the basics: strict farm bio-security, vaccine use, and wild pig management. She adds that border protection must focus on illegal animals and animal products that carry hidden risks.
Domestic Updates
In the U.S., PRRS case positivity remains below 20 percent, a typical summer level, although Iowa and Minnesota exhibit more activity than expected. PED numbers stay low, but the wean-to-harvest sector shows a sharp increase, pointing to possible bio-security gaps. Influenza cases remain lower than usual. Sapovirus shows up more often, and farms report growing challenges with E. coli.
“E. coli remains a serious issue in farrowing and nursery,” said Becton. “Identifying strains, understanding genetic traits tied to virulence, and tracking antimicrobial response all matter. PCR testing lets us monitor genotype trends and virotypes. That data helps vets and producers shape better control and management strategies.”

Preparing for Fall and
Winter
Becton warns producers to sharpen practices before cooler, wetter weather arrives. Viruses survive longer in those conditions, spreading faster through herds. She urges producers to clean and disinfect thoroughly, control traffic on and off farms, and pay attention to manure application. “Spreading manure can move pathogens around if people don’t handle it carefully,” she said. “Everyday bio-security makes the difference.”
Global Picture
Estonia’s ASF outbreak shows how one event can cripple national production. Egypt’s FMD problem grows worse as multiple strains circulate and complicate vaccination and control. Meanwhile, smuggled animal products threaten to bring new disease introductions into countries working to stay clean.
“Watching what happens overseas helps us judge where control measures succeed or fail,” said Becton. “It also shows when a region loses control of an outbreak. That information helps producers and regulators in North America prepare.”
Travel Precautions
She calls on farmers and industry staff to think carefully before and after travel. “Don’t wear overseas clothing or footwear onto a farm here,” said Becton. “Never bring animal products back. Those choices protect your herd and the entire industry.”
Why Monitoring Matters
The Swine Health Information Center releases monthly domestic and global reports to give producers a clear view of risks. Becton points to the value of connecting science, diagnostics, and field reports. “Monitoring guides strategy. Without it, we guess. With it, we prepare and protect,” she said.
Moving Forward
ASF and FMD remain global threats, with outbreaks cutting deep into national herds and food supply. North American producers must protect their barns and communities by staying informed, enforcing bio-security, and watching global developments.
“The industry faces pressure from disease, trade, and illicit movements,” said Becton. “Producers who stay alert, enforce bio-security, and rely on sound data give themselves the best chance to stay ahead.”
Producers can find complete domestic and global monitoring reports in SHIC’s September newsletter at swinehealth.org •
— By Harry Siemens