Kansas State University is researching how the U.S. can combat African swine fever. The virus threatens to devastate the swine industry and is positioned to spread throughout Asia. The virus has already spread throughout parts of Eastern Europe and was reported in China in August.
Kansas State University researchers and the Biosecurity Research Institute have several projects focused on African swine fever. Their research topics vary, but they share the same goal of stopping the spread of African swine fever and preventing it from reaching the United States. If African swine fever enters the U.S., it could cause billions in economic losses to swine and other industries, animal disease experts say.
A Kansas State official says the research will “help to improve our understanding and preparedness” of the threat of the virus.
The projects are funded in part by the $35 million State of Kansas National Bio and Agro-defense Facility Fund and also have received support from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the pork industry.
Source: National Association of Farm Broadcasting News Service.