September 30, 2019

First occurrence of ASF reported in Timor-Leste

A first occurrence of African swine fever (ASF) virus was detected in Timor-Leste, the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) reports.

The information was received by the OIE on September 27 from Dr. Da Costa Jong Joanita Bendita, National Director of Veterinary Directorate, Veterinary Directorate, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Dili, Timor-Leste.

The outbreak event was reported to have started on September 9, with 100 outbreaks (one cluster) reported in the country. 405 fatalities were reported in swine. The source of the outbreaks was unknown. The outbreaks were reported in smallholder farms in Dili Municipality. There were unconfirmed reports of fatalities in Baucau and Liquica municipalities.

Control measures included movement control inside the country, surveillance within containment and protection zones, and quarantine. No treatment was given to affected animals.

This confirmed report of ASF in Timor-Leste has sparked particular concern as the location of the outbreaks is less than 700 kilometres from Darwin in Australia.