Inspection Procedures Related to Feral Swine and Reactor Pigs

1. PURPOSE
   This directive provides instructions to inspection program personnel (IPP) at establishments where feral swine and reactor pigs suspected of having brucellosis (Brucella suis) are inspected. FSIS provided this information in a previous FSIS Notice.
2. BACKGROUND
   When the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) encounters a domestic swine herd that tests positive for brucellosis, APHIS will notify the District Office (DO) at least 5 days in advance of the date on which the reactor pigs will be shipped on a restricted movement permit (VS 1-27) to a slaughter facility.
3. IPP RESPONSIBILITIES AT ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING FERAL SWINE AND REACTOR PIGS
   1. Upon notification by the DO about the arrival of the reactor pigs, supervisors are to obtain personal protective equipment (PPE), as described in section III. C. from Material Management Service Center,
   2. IPP are to avoid standing or working directly in front of or downwind from a fan that is positioned near processes that can create aerosols. Some situations that can produce aerosols include:
      1. Cleaning or rinsing the kill floor with water buckets;
      2. Cleaning or sanitizing the kill floor with high pressure hoses; and
      3. Cutting carcasses with power saws or other power tools.
   3. While performing ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection, IPP are to wear the following PPE:
      1. Aprons;
      2. Face shields;
      3. Face masks; and
      4. Nitrile rubber gloves when touching the carcass and parts during PM inspection.
   4. IPP are to keep all open wounds (cuts and scratches) covered with water-proof bandages.
   5. IPP are to discard nitrile gloves after each use.
   6. Before returning to the USDA office, IPP are to ensure knives, scabbards and PPE are cleaned with soap and water and sanitized with 70% isopropyl alcohol.
4. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES
   1. Before IPP begin inspection duties where feral swine, reactor pigs, or other animals suspected of having brucellosis are inspected, ensure they understand the PPE requirements, and record the PPE training in AgLearn at https://aglearn.usda.gov/mod/scorm/view.php?id=29792.
   2. Supervisors are to notify their employees when they are aware that the plant is bringing Brucella positive reactor animals or exposed animals from a positive herd to slaughter.
5. QUESTIONS
   For additional information regarding brucellosis see the CDC web page: Brucellosis. Refer questions about occupational safety and health to askemployeesafety@usda.gov or contact the Occupational Safety and Health Specialist assigned to your district. Contact information is available at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/employees/environmental-safety-and-health. Refer to your supervisor or askFSIS regarding questions about this directive.