ASF Feared Widespread in Georgia

July 11, 2007 — 

According to a news release from the united Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) is likely widespread across Georgia.

Estimates are that 52 of the country's 65 districts have been affected. More than 30 000 pigs died and a total of 22 000 pigs have been culled. Georgia has approximately 500,000 pigs.

Experts expressed concern regarding the "significant" population of wild boar and the risk that the disease could become endemic in that population and adapt as it has in its historic range of sub-Saharan Africa and Sardinia. They warned countries bordering Georgia to be on high alert.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease of pigs. It causes fever and results in high pig mortality but does not affect humans. It is a transboundary animal disease with the potential for wide international spread. There is no vaccine against the disease; controlling animal movement and stamping out is the only remedy to avoid spillover of the disease to healthy animals, wildlife or even local ticks.

Pigs can acquire ASF by eating infected meat or tissues, by direct contact with an infected pig, and by contact with contaminated material and equipment, such as buckets, needles, clothing and vehicles. In Africa, the virus is also known to be transmitted by ticks.

ASF virus may remain viable for long periods in infected pig tissues, meat and processed pig products, which should not enter the food chain.

Source:
FAO News Release, June 26, 2007