The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin testing sick pigs and dead pigs for the presence of the African swine fever virus within a few weeks, with the goal of minimizing possible losses if the disease gets to the United States, Reuters reported on Thursday, May 16.

Extensive testing aims to help US officials quickly identify cases of African swine fever in order to contain the disease quickly.

Incidents of ASF in the United States would lead to the cessation of US $ 6.5 billion worth of pork being delivered to the export market at a time when industry was already faced with response tariffs imposed by China and Mexico.

“The enhanced surveillance program will serve as an early warning system, helping us to detect any potential diseases much faster,” said Greg Ibach, US Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will begin testing pigs for African swine fever after conducting routine tests for another swine disease, the classic swine fever. According to the agency, sick or dead pigs in slaughterhouses and those sent to veterinary diagnostic laboratories will be included in extended testing.

Last week, Tyson Foods Inc's chief executive said it was "very plausible" that the disease could enter the United States due to its rapid spread in Asia.