Preparing for the Unthinkable: Foreign Animal Disease Exercises

Pork Checkoff NewsSwine Health

Preparing for the Unthinkable: Foreign Animal Disease Exercises

On this page:

• What are FAD Exercises?
• Blending Collaboration, Preparedness and Strategy
• Iowa: FAD Demonstration
• Oklahoma: Show Pig Tabletop Exercises
• Tri-National Agricultural Accord FAD Readiness Exercise
• Action with Purpose

Healthy pigs start with knowledgeable producers and are backed by engaged veterinarians, industry support and well-funded research. According to NPB's 2024 producer survey, 98% of producers believe herd health and preparedness are important to the future success of the industry. However, no matter how healthy a swine herd is, the risk of a potential outbreak of foreign animal diseases (FADs) is never zero.

FADs can be devastating to agriculture and the swine industry. In the 2024 producer survey, African swine fever and other foreign animal diseases were ranked as the most critical barrier to success, with 40% of respondents citing it as more critical than other potential barriers.

FADs pose a serious threat that would be disastrous to the industry. Through tabletop and functional exercises, collaboration within the industry plays a vital role in preparing for potential FAD outbreaks.

What are FAD Exercises?

FAD exercises are a blend of science and action. FAD readiness exercises help plan in the event of a disease outbreak and are imperative for an effective response during animal health emergencies. To prepare producers and animal health officials for a potential FAD outbreak, tabletop and functional exercises test the effectiveness of existing plans and procedures, and identify areas for improvement. The key outcome of the exercises is creating adaptable plans that can swiftly adjust to unforeseen circumstances.

Dr. Dusty Oedekoven shares valuable swine health insights during the Oklahoma tabletop exercises. Image provided by Oklahoma Pork Council.

Blending Collaboration, Preparedness and Strategy

NPB's three-year strategic plan includes a focus on improving the lives of pigs and people. Ongoing collaboration and preparedness exercises emphasize the industry's commitment to proactive disease control measures.

FAD exercises serve as a foundation for enhancing industry-wide preparedness, underscoring the importance of cooperation in effectively combating the risks associated with FADs. NPB works hand-in-hand with practicing veterinarians and state animal health agencies to monitor current swine health challenges and help producers streamline and improve on-farm health practices.

Iowa: FAD Demonstration

A two-day functional exercise and demonstration was held in Iowa earlier in 2025, offering a comprehensive overview of FAD response strategies for 65 participants. The event outlined producer responsibilities and expectations during an outbreak, featured presentations on various depopulation methods, and included demonstrations of both CO₂ and water-based foam technologies.

The demonstration fostered productive discussions between producers and regulatory officials, clarifying roles and expectations in the event of an outbreak. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) showcased its investment in FAD preparedness with its specialized depopulation trailers. Additionally, producers exchanged valuable insights on how to tailor response plans to meet the unique needs of individual farms.

A group of 65 attendees participated in the two-day functional exercise and demonstration in Iowa.

Oklahoma: Show Pig Tabletop Exercises

In collaboration with Oklahoma Pork Council, NPB hosted an FAD Tabletop in Oklahoma City for 35 of the state's most influential show pig breeders, exhibitors, stock show leaders and industry supporters. During the August 2025 event, the group discussed what would happen to everyday operations in the event of an FAD. Through tabletop scenarios, the group worked side-by-side on scenarios and strategies to strengthen preparedness and protect the industry.

Several attendees from the Oklahoma event stand in front of the FAD tabletop display. Image provided by Oklahoma Pork Council.

Tri-National Agricultural Accord FAD Readiness Exercise

In August 2025, members of the swine health and communications teams participated in the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) FAD Readiness Exercise held in Maryland. Over the course of the two-day event, participants engaged in breakout sessions designed to simulate an African swine fever outbreak. Participants were encouraged to fully immerse themselves in the scenario without questioning its premise.

The exercise fostered real-time collaborative problem solving among stakeholders, providing a valuable opportunity for NPB to share educational and fact-based information on FAD preparedness and response with industry and governmental representatives from the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Action with Purpose

NPB continues to lead and support industry-wide swine health efforts to strengthen swine health and enhance disease preparedness nationwide. Tools and resources such as AgView®, Secure Pork Supply Plan and Certified Swine Sample Collector program - backed by the Pork Checkoff - offer solutions to aid in preparedness.

Ultimately, effective preparedness hinges on proactive collaboration between producers, veterinarians and animal health officials. Because when it comes to foreign animal disease, being ready isn't optional-it's essential.