North carolina state university will use the existing african swine fever ASF transmission models to develop planning resources for state animal health officials and national animal health…

North Carolina State University received $347,058 in funding under the Plant and Animal Disease, Pest Control, and Animal Care program (CFDA 10.025), administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). The award, effective September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2027, funds the development of planning resources and operational guidance for managing African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak response. The project leverages existing ASF transmission models to create decision-support tools for state animal health officials and National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN) veterinary diagnostic laboratories.

The specific products and deliverables include quantitative analyses determining the number of sample collectors required on swine farms during an ASF outbreak, forecasting models to identify when NAHLN laboratories will reach daily sample processing capacity, estimations of sample diversion requirements among laboratories, and feasibility assessments for establishing sample drop-off and pickup locations for diagnostic stockpile supplies. These planning resources are designed to enable swine producers and NAHLN laboratories to prepare for anticipated surges in diagnostic workload and sample volumes in the event of an ASF outbreak, thereby protecting the nation's food supply and supporting the economic viability of swine farming operations and rural communities.

North carolina state university will use the existing african swine fever ASF transmission models to develop planning resources for state animal health officials and national animal health laboratory network nahln veterinary diagnostic laboratories. The project will determine the number of sample collectors that will be needed on swine farms during an ASF outbreak, determine when a nahln laboratory will reach its daily capacity for managing swine samples, estimate the number of samples that would need to be diverted to other nahln laboratories, and estimate the benefits of sample drop-off locations, considering stockpile supply pick-up and drop-off locations. This project will help swine producers and nahln laboratories prepare for managing a high number of swine samples and surges in veterinary diagnostic laboratory workload that are anticipated if an ASF outbreak occurs. Animal disease preparedness projects like this are a valuable investment that strengthens our food supply, ensures farmers' livelihoods, and protects economic opportuni ties for rural communities