June 11, 2007

 

Swine fever in Georgia could have catastrophic economic impact

 

 

The UN said Friday (Jun 8) that an outbreak in Georgia of African swine fever, a contagious viral disease in pigs, could have a "catastrophic" economic impact unless its spread is halted.

 

The disease, which causes fever and death in pigs, does not affect humans.

 

But it has the potential for wide international spread, and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization warned that neighbouring Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia should be on high alert.

 

In a statement, it said the disease "has a catastrophic effect on commercial and smallholder pig production".

 

Georgia reported that outbreaks began at the end of April in 10 regions across the country, and that 20,000 pigs had already been slaughtered. Georgia only has about a half-million pigs.

 

Jan Slingenbergh, a senior animal health officer at the Rome-based agency, said the outbreak was particularly of concern since African swine fever had been nearly confined to sub-Saharan Africa since 1990.

 

"Delayed detection of the virus has resulted in a long danger period where the disease has been unrecognised and the virus could have moved to neighbouring countries," Slingenbergh said in a statement. "Armenia, Azerbaijan and the Russian Federation should be on high alert."

 

FAO said the virus probably entered Georgia through imported frozen or processed pork. Pigs can get it by eating infected meat or tissues or by contact with infected animals or contaminated equipment.

 

Experts from the European Union, FAO and the World Organization for Animal Health were heading for Georgia to assess the situation and advise the government on immediate control measures, the statement said.