Guidelines for African Swine Fever (ASF) Prevention and Control in Smallholder Pig Farming in Asia: Monitoring and surveillance of ASF

African swine fever (ASF) is a deadly infectious disease that affects pigs of all breeds and ages. It has spread to Asia and the Pacific region, causing concern for food security and economics. National veterinary services need support to control ASF, and regional and international cooperation is essential. The Guidelines for African swine fever (ASF) prevention and control in smallholder pig farming in Asia provide practical advice for biosecurity, slaughtering, and restocking in Southeast Asian pig industries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 76 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal infectious disease that affects domestic and wild pigs of all breeds and ages. It poses a significant threat to both the livestock industry and food security, as there is currently no effective vaccine or treatment available for ASF. The incursion of ASF into Asia and the Pacific region has raised major concerns, particularly as the region is the world's largest pig production area, accounting for over 58 percent of global pig production (FAOSTAT). The potential impacts of ASF on food security and economics are growing, as the virus continues to spread to more areas and countries within the region.

As the disease spreads, preparedness and control activities must be continuously adjusted to adapt to the situations observed in the field. This requires a collaborative effort between national veterinary services, regional organizations, and international stakeholders. National veterinary services face challenges in these complex situations, and additional support is needed to fill capacity gaps required for ASF control. Regional and international support is crucial in facilitating dialogue among key stakeholders and providing technical assistance to affected countries.

To address the challenges faced by smallholder pig farmers in Asia, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Guidelines for African swine fever (ASF) prevention and control in smallholder pig farming in Asia have been developed. These guidelines provide practical advice on biosecurity, slaughtering, and restocking practices in smallholder pig farming systems. They are designed to be used by national and/or central veterinary authorities, farmers, and relevant stakeholders, with a focus on the Southeast Asian pig industry.

The third guideline in this series focuses on farm biosecurity, slaughtering, and restocking. It emphasizes the importance of implementing strict biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction and spread of ASF. This includes measures such as maintaining a clean and hygienic farm environment, implementing quarantine protocols for incoming pigs, and restricting the movement of people and vehicles on the farm.

Slaughtering and restocking are also critical components of ASF control. Proper slaughtering procedures must be followed to minimize the risk of ASF transmission during the slaughter process. This includes using appropriate equipment and disinfecting the slaughter area and equipment. Restocking practices must also be carefully managed to prevent the introduction of ASF into the farm. This includes selecting pigs that are free from ASF and implementing quarantine protocols for incoming pigs.

In conclusion, African swine fever (ASF) is a significant threat to the livestock industry and food security. The incursion of ASF into Asia and the Pacific region has raised concerns about its potential impacts on food security and economics. Preparedness and control activities must be continuously adjusted to adapt to the changing situation on the ground. Regional and international support is crucial in facilitating dialogue among key stakeholders and providing technical assistance to affected countries. The Guidelines for African swine fever (ASF) prevention and control in smallholder pig farming in Asia provide practical advice on biosecurity, slaughtering, and restocking practices that can help smallholder pig farmers in Southeast Asia protect their pigs from ASF and maintain their livelihoods.

Dimension: 297 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789251348253