The U.S. Grains Council has strengthened biosecurity safeguards for overseas travelers and USGC-led trade teams in recognition of the severity and spread of African swine fever. 

As part of the updated protocol, no USGC-led or organized teams will visit swine farms or operations in the United States in 2019, and teams from confirmed affected countries will not visit any type of U.S. livestock operation. 

 

Travelers will still be able to meet with livestock companies to discuss livestock production and feeding practices. 

Tom Sleight, USGC president and chief executive officer, says USGC is “taking precautions to limit exposure,” as African swine fever is not in the United States. 

 

USGC says the updated protocols limit risk while still enabling the Council to work to build international markets for U.S. feed grains and co-products. 

The National Pork Board and the National Pork Producers Council have fully detailed biosecurity guidelines for pork industry-related international travel, which USGC used in it’s updated protocols.