April 14, 2011

Russia at risk of more ASF outbreaks

Russia's Central and Volga federal districts are in danger of additional outbreaks of African swine fever (ASF), Russian Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik said Wednesday (Apr 13).

The production of pork in the Central and Volga federal districts accounts for around 70% of the total pork production in Russia, the minister said.

Skrynnik added that the fever was still spreading in Russia. Outbreaks had now been reported in the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, while the highest concentration of outbreaks has been registered in the Southern Federal District, the minister added.

The situation remains difficult, Skrynnik said adding that the Agriculture Ministry could take steps to limit the transportation of pork products in Russia.

The government could allocate additional funds to fight the spread of the fever, the minister added without elaborating.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a contagious viral disease, which is potentially lethal to infected animals. ASFV poses no health risk to humans, according to the World Organization of Animal Health.