August 29, 2008

Russia at risk from African swine fever

Russia's federal food quality watchdog Roselkhozhadzor said Thursday (August 28) there was a danger of African swine fever spreading into the country from the southern regions, which could seriously damage the pig population.

Rosselkhoznadzor said African swine fever was currently reported in the Chechen Republic, North Ossetia and Ingushetia, as well as in neighbouring Georgia, where the entire country was affected by the disease as the government did nothing to prevent its spread.

Roselkhoznadzor appealed to local governments in the Chechen republic, North Ossetia and Ingushetia to take urgent measures to prevent the spread of the disease which can be fatal to pigs.