The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) under the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has proposed new regulations to establish the United States Swine Health Improvement Plan (US SHIP). This program aims to improve biosecurity, traceability, and disease surveillance for swine health in the U.S. by certifying sites for disease-free status regarding African swine fever and classical swine fever. US SHIP will be a voluntary program, following the model of a pilot program, and is designed to help reduce disruptions in trade during disease outbreaks. Participants in the program will include various swine facilities that comply with outlined standards and regulations.
Simple Explanation
The USDA wants to create a plan to keep pigs healthy by checking farms to make sure they're safe from two pig diseases. This plan will help farmers sell pigs more easily, even if there are disease outbreaks.