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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) invites U.S. swine producers, small farms, and pig owners to participate in the “I Protect Pigs” Photo Contest as part of this year’s Protect Our Pigs campaign. The campaign, in its fifth year, reinforces steps all pig owners can take to help protect our nation’s swine industry from deadly animal diseases like African swine fever (ASF). This year’s photo contest gives participants an opportunity to highlight how they help this effort on an individual basis.
ASF has never been detected in the United States. However, since its 2021 detection in the Dominican Republic and Haiti—the closest in decades—USDA has partnered with industry and states to strengthen safeguards that protect the U.S. swine herd. Biosecurity is the best defense, and we want to see how you put it into practice.
Get your camera ready and be creative! Share photos that highlight your biosecurity efforts. Here are some picture-perfect ideas:
- Keep farm equipment and vehicles clean
- Wear clean clothes and boots near pigs
- Use protective gloves when handling animals
There’s no penalty for cuteness, but we’re really looking for how you keep your pigs safe and healthy. Learn more and submit your photo here.
Join us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and USDA’s Instagram for updates and contest highlights. Through the Protect Our Pigs campaign, USDA is raising awareness about ASF and providing resources to help producers and veterinarians defend their herds and livelihoods.
Free tools—including videos, downloadable materials, and interactive guides—are available on the Protect Our Pigs website. Be sure to check the website and sign up for our GovDelivery email list so you don’t miss contest details and other important updates.
January 21, 2026 - USDA
