It seems that everywhere you go, everyone is talking about African Swine Fever (ASF) – a highly contagious and deadly viral disease that has killed more than a million pigs in China, Mongolia, Vietnam and Cambodia. If ASF reaches the U.S., it could decimate the pork industry. So fearful of its spreading into the U.S., the National Pork Producers Council cancelled its annual World Pork Expo scheduled for June 3-5 in Des Moines, Iowa.
U.S. pork producers are keenly aware of ASF, as they have already seen the destructive nature of other deadly viruses such as pseudorabies, Transmissible Gastro Enteritis (TGE), Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED), just to name a few.
It’s during times like these that pork producers should monitor their biosecurity strategies and make necessary updates, said Tim Nelson, Vice President of Animal Health & Nutrition Sales at Brookside Agra. All-natural drying agent ABSORB PLUS™ from Brookside Agra is a tool that pork producers can use to help maximize efficiency and improve the environments that their swine frequent.
“ABSORB PLUS helps dry out wet areas and improve air quality not only for the pigs, but also for the people working with them,” said Nelson.
ABSORB PLUS contains a mixture of copper, zinc and iron, which according to a study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology by the American Society for Microbiology (https://aem.asm.org/content/81/18/6399), these minerals may help reduce the threat of viruses, bacteria and molds. ABSORB PLUS is also non-toxic and absorbs ammonia to further promote a healthy environment.
ABSORB PLUS can be easily sprayed or blown on any surface, including the animals. Its application should be repeated weekly to refresh the thin coating, suppress moisture and eliminate odors. ABSORB PLUS is ideal for the following areas:
- Swine and poultry housing
- Calf units
- Dairy loafing houses
- Livestock trucks and trailers
- Whole grain storage bins
- Livestock exhibition areas
- Animal bedding
- Dog kennels
- Horse stables
ABSORB PLUS contains all-natural, antibiotic-free ingredients that won’t harm humans, animals or the environment. ABSORB PLUS also does not contain phosphorous, which eliminates any concerns regarding manure management and its application. All of ABSORB PLUS’s separate components are on the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) and FDA lists.
For more information about ABSORB PLUS, visit www.brookside-agra.com/products/animal-health/absorb-plus/ or contact Tim Nelson, Vice President – Animal Health & Nutrition Sales at 402-560-7381 or tim.nelson@brookside-agra.com.