Tighter swine biosecurity at State Fair aims to keep diseases out
The threat of a deadly hog disease is prompting state officials to tighten security at swine events during the Iowa State Fair, reports Iowa Public Radio. For nearly a year, U.S. pork producers have watched African swine fever decimate China’s pig herd and they fear it could arrive here. So this year, a veterinarian has to examine a show pig and give it a certificate of inspection within seven days of it arriving at the fair. Previously, that exam only had to happen within 30 days of a show. Iowa’s state veterinarian Jeff Kaisand says all hogs will also get a vet check before being unloaded at the state fair.