K-State researchers eye how to detect ASF on surfaces

Kansas State University researchers have published the findings of a study that looks at a seemingly simple way to add another layer of protection for the United States swine industry against a crippling and viral disease.

K-State swine production specialist and veterinarian Jordan Gebhardt said scientists have used some common household items to test their ability to detect the presence of African Swine Fever on equipment and surfaces where animal feed is transported.

Detecting the presence of the African Swine Fever virus on the surfaces of trucks, shipping containers and other materials entering the United States, “seems like such a simple research question,” Gebhardt said, “but there’s a lot of complexity in how that is done.”