SPS Introduction for Packers
Packers are essential to the success of business continuity for the swine industry during a foot and mouth disease (FMD), classical swine fever (CSF), or African swine fever (ASF) outbreak in livestock. Product that has passed USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) inspection is safe and wholesome for human consumption. Packers may find themselves being regulated by animal health officials managing the outbreak as a way to control these animal diseases.
FMD, CSF, and ASF are not a public health or food safety concern. Meat is safe to eat.
Packers and State Animal Health Officials are encouraged to work together to determine the best options that reduce FMD, CSF, or ASF virus spread via livestock trucks and plant employees while aligning with capabilities and local regulations. When available, more information will be posted on the packer biosecurity section.
Packers may also be involved in sample submission for surveillance of FMD, CSF, or ASF virus. When available, additional information will be posted on the packer surveillance section.
Biosecurity Resources for Packers
Packing plant employees, truck drivers, and others who contact animals or their bodily fluids must observe proper biosecurity protocols to avoid transmitting the FMD, CSF, or ASF virus to susceptible animals when these individuals leave the plant. All personnel must be instructed on biosecurity steps to follow prior to and after leaving the plant.
The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) has foreign animal disease guidance documents, including biosecurity measures for packers available on the NAMI Foreign Animal Disease webpage.
Surveillance Resources for Packers
Surveillance for foot and mouth disease (FMD), classical swine fever (CSF), or African swine fever (ASF) involves close observation of animals and testing. Packers may be involved in sample submission for surveillance of FMD, CSF, or ASF virus during an outbreak.
Diagnostic tests to be performed and sampling protocols may evolve throughout the outbreak based on new knowledge and technology.
Product Movement
Foot and mouth disease (FMD), classical swine fever (CSF), and African swine fever (ASF) are NOT public health or food safety concerns. Product that has passed FSIS inspection is safe and wholesome for human consumption, and potentially may be released into commerce for human consumption.
Domestic Movement
Animals which pass ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection by USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) are safe and wholesome for human consumption, even if they are in the pre-clinical or recovery stage of an FMD, CSF, or ASF infection. Many packing plants have on-site rendering capacity for non-edible products, so any virus in those products would be destroyed.
International Standards
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Codes aim to assure the sanitary safety of international trade in terrestrial animals and their products consistent with the expanded mandate of the OIE which is ‘to improve animal health worldwide’. During an FMD, CSF, or ASF outbreak, OIE recommendations for international trade will be followed.
Informational materials for FMD, CSF, and ASF are below: