Risk Assessment of Biological Hazards in Imported Animal Feed Ingredients

Abstract

Imported animal feed ingredients can serve as a source of biological hazards that affect animal health, food safety, and trade. This project evaluated these risks using a qualitative review of peer-reviewed studies, regulatory reports, and past outbreaks involving bacterial, viral, and prion hazards in both plant and animal-derived ingredients. Using the One Health framework together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) risk analysis model, the project organized the evidence into a structured risk matrix. Ingredients were scored based on likelihood of contamination, potential animal and human health consequences, and economic impacts. Animal-derived ingredients generally ranked highest due to frequent detection of pathogens such as Salmonella. Several plant-based ingredients, particularly soybean meal, showed strong experimental evidence for long-distance viral survival, including African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV). The results show that certain ingredients and pathogen types carry higher relative risk, and that limited testing and surveillance of imported feed ingredients is an ongoing gap. These findings support the need for stronger supplier verification and targeted feed mill biosecurity. Overall, the project provides a practical way to compare biological risks in imported feed materials and identify where risk-reduction efforts may be most effective.