African swine fever, or ASF, appeared for the first time in China over the summer and since that time, more than 50 outbreaks of ASF have been reported in domestic pigs in 13 provinces of China.

Back in September, the UN warned at the time that the swine fever situation was “just the tip of the iceburg”.

In addition, some European countries are reporting ASF in pigs and wild boars.

What is African swine fever, how serious of an issue is it and whats the threat to the US?

Joining me to discuss the African swine fever situation is Stephen Higgs, PhD, Dr Higgs is the director of the Biosecurity Research Institute at Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS.