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FAO, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC and OIE today issued a encouraging their members to increase efforts to address ASF, which threatens the livelihood of communities dependent on pig farming and the region’s food security in general. As of mid-June 2021, some 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region had reported ASF outbreaks. 

African swine fever – a major economic threat, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region

African swine fever virus does not pose a hazard or risk to humans, but has devastated domestic pig production and impacted wild pig populations, especially in In the Asian-Pacific Region. It is a highly infectious and, usually fatal, disease of pigs. 

ASF was first reported in the region in August 2018 and has since led to the culling of hundreds of millions of domestic pigs in an effort to control its spread. No vaccine exists to combat the virus, and basic biosecurity measures currently remain the best approach to prevent further ASF spread and spill-over to wild pig species in the region.

FAO, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC and OIE warn of conservation impacts of ASF in the Asia-Pacific region

The impact of ASF on wildlife conservation could be devastating due to the potentially high mortality rate in native wild pigs. FAO, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC and OIE expressed increasing concern that ASF outbreaks could push the 11 native wild pig species to the edge of extinction. They explained that the loss of native wild species could also affect fragile ecological communities by depriving threatened predators of a vital food source.

FAO, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC, and OIE particularly reflected on the impact on the (Sus barbatus) in Sabah, Malaysia, where high mortalities have been reported. ASF is also threatening the (Sus philippensis) and there are concerns about wild pig populations in Indonesia.

“Any intervention needs multi-sectoral and multi-institutional cooperation involving ministries, veterinary services, wildlife services, non-government organizations, researchers, industry and communities,” the said.

FAO, ������ϲʿ�������ֳ�ֱ�� SSC, and OIE called on increased dialogue among government ministries with related responsibilities on ASF and relevant experts to develop strong policies. They also encouraged stronger biosecurity, surveillance, monitoring and response systems across sectors inclusive of domestic and wildlife species. Lastly, they called on coordinated regional efforts to address ASF.