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K-State researcher says ASF virus unusual

Kansas State University has been researching African Swine Fever for years, including a vaccine for the deadly pig disease. Dr. Stephen Higgs, leader of K-State’s Biosecurity Research Institute, tells Brownfield the U.S. is very fortunate ASF is not here, “It’s proved very, very difficult to control as the Chinese are seeing now. It can spread very, very quickly.”

Higgs says they are NOT close to developing a vaccine but are also working on developing diagnostic tools, looking at swine genetics and potential routes for the disease.  ASF can survive meat processing, so U.S. Customs is checking for legally and illegally imported pork products from high risk countries, “People sneaking ham sandwiches onto an aircraft when they get on board from one of these countries that’s got infections going.”

Higgs says another big concern is imported animal feed. K-State introduced it into animal feed in the lab and the virus survived 30 days, the amount of time it would take for international transport on a cargo boat. Higgs says the ASF virus is unusual because it is very environmentally stable.

AUDIO: Interview with Dr. Stephen Higgs ~