Train ’em hard!

The Montana Department of Livestock, in partnership with the National Pork Board and the Montana Pork Producers Association, recently conducted a training exercise to improve responses to foreign animal diseases (FAD). A simulated detection of African swine fever (ASF) was part of the program.

• Traditional methods of disease control, such as quarantine, vaccination, and early marketing, are insufficient against ASF. 
• So, to prevent further spread of the disease, a large number of animals might need to be humanely euthanized and their carcasses must be disposed of afterwards, since they remain infective. 
• In that scenario, it's critical to quickly detect any introduction of the virus and effectively contain it.

The exercise taught participants novel and more efficient depopulation techniques and mental health assessments for animal owners and responders. 

• Ideal methods of depopulation are humane, effective for large groups of animals, and minimize mental health impacts.

The training was one of five exercises sponsored by the National Pork Board and had the participation of Montana State University Extension, Montana Dis