USDA seeks Swine Health Improvement Plan as a national voluntary livestock improvement program

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is requesting public comments on a proposal to establish an official program for safeguarding, improving, and representing the health status of U.S. pigs.

Since 2020, APHIS — in cooperation with industry — has piloted the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP) aimed at certifying participating sites as monitored for African swine fever (ASF) and classical swine fever (CSF).

APHIS is now proposing a rule to build upon the pilot program and establish US SHIP as a national voluntary livestock improvement program.

“Under the proposal, APHIS would create sectors for various types of swine herds and production facilities centered on production methods and disease risk,” APHIS wrote.

“Participating sites would be able to obtain certifications of disease-monitored status for ASF and CSF. These sites would be able to market their products with the relevant certification status, which could limit disruptions to international and interstate commerce in the event of animal disease outbreaks.”

As part of US SHIP, APHIS would also establish a General Conference Committee composed of swine producers and other industry and state animal health participants to advise it on matters of swine health and disease management.