The United Nations Agriculture and Food Agency (FAO) on Friday called for stronger border surveillance to stem the spread of swine fever in Asia, which has killed 5 million hogs. one year, either by disease or by preventive slaughter.
Prevent contaminated pigs from crossing borders
"Since there are no commercially available vaccines, we need to work to fight this disease, and countries need to monitor their land, sea and air borders to prevent disease from entering. and its possible spread through contaminated pigs or contaminated pork products, "said FAO Chief Veterinary Officer Juan Lubroth in a statement.
"We invite high-risk countries to put in place effective biosecurity measures to prevent contaminated pigs or contaminated swine products from crossing their borders," he says.
Cambodia, China, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia and Vietnam
According to the FAO, the disease is present in six Asian countries: Cambodia, China, North Korea, Laos, Mongolia and Vietnam, losses representing 10% of the total pig population present in China, Vietnam and Mongolia. Although not dangerous to humans, this highly contagious viral disease is fatal for domestic and wild pigs, resulting in significant economic losses for the hog sector. The virus is resistant and "can survive for long periods, especially in dry or frozen pork products," adds the FAO.