January 2026 - Journal_Final - Flipbook - Page 6
Health
Foreign Animal Disease Preparedness
TURNS CHAOS INTO CONTROL
Joel Nerem, DVM
Director of Industry Relations
Pipestone Veterinary Services
Preparing for African Swine Fever (ASF) or other
Foreign Animal Diseases (FADs) can feel chaotic,
with global spread, trade implications, and response
scenarios all competing for attention. Yet clarity
doesn’t come from trying to track everything—it
comes from preparation. When producers focus on
a small number of critical planning points, they gain
the con昀椀dence and readiness needed to respond
effectively if ASF is detected in the United States.
Understanding the Threat
ASF continues to spread globally, and the list of
affected countries grows each year. Most recently,
Spain reported ASF in its wild boar population,
6 | PIPESTONE JOURNAL
Dr. Joel Nerem, a native of West Union, Iowa, earned his undergraduate
degree from Luther College and his DVM from Iowa State University
in 1995. He joined Pipestone in 2006 and now serves as Director of
Industry Relations, bringing decades of experience in swine health to
help strengthen relationships and support producers across the industry.
highlighting another milestone in the disease’s
international reach.
Spain is particularly relevant for U.S. producers
because its pork industry closely mirrors our own:
it is a major exporter, and its pro昀椀tability depends
heavily on trade. Two developments there are worth
watching:
1. Market impacts and pork price 昀氀uctuations as
trading partners respond to ASF detections.
2. Trade implications tied to regionalization
agreements, such as Spain’s new agreement with
China.
While the U.S. currently enjoys “protection zone”
status for Puerto Rico, no regionalization agreements
