Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

In the United States, which swine populations does the classical swine fever surveillance program primarily target?

1. Sick animals submitted to diagnostic laboratories

2. Swine condemned at slaughter

3. Swine on farms that feed pig swill (waste-feeding)

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The classical swine fever surveillance program in the United States is designed to monitor and control potential outbreaks of this highly contagious viral disease in various swine populations. The program targets multiple groups of animals to ensure comprehensive surveillance and early detection of the disease. Sick animals submitted to diagnostic laboratories represent a critical area for surveillance because these submissions can provide timely information about disease presence, facilitating rapid response and containment efforts. Testing these animals can reveal instances of classical swine fever that might otherwise go undetected. Swine condemned at slaughter are also a vital focus because this group can include animals that show signs of disease. Inspectors at slaughterhouses play an essential role in identifying and eliminating infected animals from the food chain, thus preventing the spread of disease to healthy populations. Additionally, swine on farms that feed pig swill (waste-feeding) are targeted due to the high risk associated with this practice. Feeding swill can introduce various pathogens, including those responsible for classical swine fever, especially if the waste originates from areas where the disease is present. By encompassing all these populations in the surveillance program, the United States aims for a robust and proactive approach to controlling classical swine fever, minimizing the chances of an outbreak, and protecting the swine industry as