Foreign Animal Disease

Foreign Animal Diseases (FADs) are serious diseases not currently found in the U.S. but pose a substantial threat to the pork industry. Examples include African Swine Fever (ASF), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), and Classical Swine Fever (CSF). Having plans in place helps producers respond quickly, protect their herds, and support business continuity during an emergency. For more information on national FAD preparedness and response resources, visit FADReady.org

Don't Wait for an Outbreak

Contingency planning means having site-specific plans ready before an FAD outbreak. Start preparing now with our planning tools.

Key Preparedness Programs

Three programs work together to strengthen swine health security and help producers prepare for a FAD outbreak: U.S. SHIP, the Secure Pork Supply Plan, and AgView. Each program has unique enrollment requirements, but together they build a stronger system of traceability, biosecurity, and response readiness.

U.S. Swine Health Improvement Plan (U.S. SHIP)

A voluntary, state-managed program to support FAD preparedness and response.

Steps for Iowa Producers

Complete the enrollment form.
Submit a completed multi-premises spreadsheet if needed.
Complete the biosecurity enrollment survey.
Practice submitting 30 days of swine movement records electronically.

Watch video about U.S. SHIP (4 min)

Learn More

Secure Pork Supply (SPS) Plan

Helps producers prepare for a FAD outbreak by developing a biosecurity plan, maintaining movement records, and ensuring continuity of business.

Key Steps

Request a premises ID.
Create a premises map.
Develop an enhanced biosecurity plan.
Monitor for signs of ASF, CSF, or FMD.

Watch video about SPS (7 min)

Learn More

AgView

Data platform to securely share movement records, premise IDs, and site information with animal health officials during an outbreak. Learn how to create an account.

Watch video about Agview (3 min)

Learn More

Contingency Planning

Site-specific plans covering feed storage, mortality disposal, animal care, and limited movement during a standstill protect animal welfare and ensure business continuity.

Being prepared reduces downtime.

Depopulation

Guidelines & Manuals:

Forms & Checklists:

Presentations:

Disposal

Guidelines & Tools:

Presentations:

Planning Tools

Guidelines & Tools:

General Checklist:

Presentations:

IDALS Outbreak Response Slides (Slides)
FAD Preparedness
Lessons Learned in the Egg Industry — FAD Response in Poultry

Premise Guidance

Guidelines & Resources:

Permit Guidance

Guidelines & Tools:

IDALS Permitting Guidance (PDF)
IDALS General Animal Permitting Protocol (PDF)

Presentations:

Resources During a Supply Chain Disruption

Record Priorities

Guidelines & Tools:

IDALS Record Priorities (PDF)

When a FAD is Detected in the U.S.

When a FAD is confirmed in the U.S., animal health officials are expected to immediately initiate a 72-hour standstill on all swine movement nationwide. This temporary halt is designed to stop the spread of disease while officials assess the situation, conduct investigations, and establish control zones.

HOUR 0 FAD Confirmed Official confirmation triggers immediate federal and state coordination.	0-72 HOURS National Standstill All swine movement halted nationwide while officials assess the situation.	72+ HOURS Control Zones Infected, buffer, and surveillance zones defined. Movement permits issues.	ONGOING Business Continuity Producers with SPS plans and movement records can apply to resume operations.

HOUR 0

FAD Confirmed

Official confirmation triggers immediate federal and state coordination.

0-72 HOURS

National Standstill

All swine movement halted nationwide while officials assess the situation.

72+ HOURS

Control Zones

Infected, buffer, and surveillance zones defined. Movement permits issues.

ONGOING

Business Continuity

Producers with SPS plans and movement records can apply to resume operations.

Government Response

Guidelines & Manuals:

Producer Response

Guidance & Checklists:

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens once there is an official confirmation of a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD)?

Once a Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) - such as African swine fever (ASF), classical swine fever (CSF), or foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) - is officially confirmed, the affected site will be immediately quarantined. A control zone (typically a circle with a 10 km radius from the infected site) will be established around that site. In addition, a 72-hour national movement standstill will be implemented for all swine, susceptible livestock, and related movements. This standstill is designed to prevent further disease spread while state and federal officials conduct investigations and establish quarantine areas around infected or suspected premises. During this time, no swine movements will be permitted anywhere in the country. Once initial investigations are complete and quarantines are established, the national standstill will be lifted.

What is involved in the 72-hour national movement standstill?

The national movement standstill halts the movement of all swine of all ages, as well as semen, manure, and potentially feed or other livestock-related traffic. The purpose of the standstill is to give authorities time to complete trace investigations, identify potentially exposed sites, and establish appropriate quarantines. Although the standstill is planned for 72 hours, it may be extended if investigations are not completed within that timeframe.

If my farm is in a control zone, what information will I need to obtain a movement permit?

Each state will determine the exact requirements for farms located within control zones that are not infected but need to move animals. In general, producers should expect to provide:

A valid Premises ID for both the origin and destination sites
A valid negative diagnostic test (as required by the state)
Details on the number and type of animals to be moved

This information must be submitted to state and federal animal health officials in order to receive a movement permit.