The colder, the better (?) ❄

Swine Health Information Center Associate Director Dr. Megan Niederwerder says that research conducted at Kansas State University’s High Containment Biosecurity Research Institute has determined the longevity of the African swine fever (ASF) viral DNA and how long it remains infectious in stored feed particles.

• The feed was analyzed at temperatures of 40°, 68°, and 95° Fahrenheit.

Results show the virus survived at least 112 days at 40° F, at least 21 days at 68° F, and at least seven days at 95° F. This data provides us with minimum recommendations for storage times after the importation of high-risk feed ingredients.

• Additionally, the virus was most stable in soybean meal and least stable in corncob particles. 

Dr. Niederwerder suggests that this study emphasizes the need to pay attention to where the feed ingredients are coming from and how they're being stored.