Protection zone

Initiatives are expected to protect mainland North America from African Swine Fever (ASF) and ease any trade disruptions if an outbreak happens in Puerto Rico. 

• A team of US veterinarians traveled to Puerto Rico to get a look at the safety measures on the island and Dr. Anna Forseth, from the National Pork Producers Council, confirmed that ASF hasn’t been detected there, even though it’s present in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

The issue in the Caribbean is a concern because of its proximity to the US (read more about that here) and due to the possible trade implications if Puerto Rico is hit.

• One of the goals of the protection zone is to have trading partners recognize ongoing efforts and show them that they intend to mitigate the impacts of the situation.