Porcine Foreign and Regulatory Diseases – NAVLE Study Guide

Overview and Clinical Importance

Foreign animal diseases (FADs) represent one of the greatest threats to the U.S. swine industry and global food security. These highly contagious diseases can devastate swine populations, disrupt international trade, and cause billions of dollars in economic losses. The USDA classifies African Swine Fever (ASF), Classical Swine Fever (CSF), and Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) as Tier 1 reportable foreign animal diseases of swine due to their potential for catastrophic impact.

Recognition and reporting of FADs is a critical responsibility for all veterinarians. Any suspicion of vesicular disease, hemorrhagic disease with high mortality, or unusual neurologic signs in swine should trigger immediate reporting to state and federal animal health officials.

Classification of Porcine FADs

African Swine Fever (ASF)

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is the sole member of family Asfarviridae, a large, complex, double-stranded DNA virus. It is the only DNA arbovirus known. The virus targets monocytes and macrophages, causing severe lymphoid depletion, hemorrhage, and multiorgan failure. Case fatality rates can reach 100% with highly virulent strains.