December 7, 2020

 

13 nations in Asia Pacific hit by ASF, according to FAO official

 

 

During the 16th meeting of the Standing Groups of Experts on African Swine Fever in Europe, participating member countries presented their national epidemiological situation regarding ASF in the virtual event.

 

As of November 2020, a total of 13 countries in the Asia-Pacific officially have reported ASF, according to Yooni Oh, regional project coordinator of the United Nations' FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO RAP), as he presented "African swine fever in Asia and the Pacific & SGE-ASF for Asia."

 

The countries stated include China, Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, North Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Timor-Leste and Indonesia. Papua New Guinea and India have reported for the first time in 2020.

 

At least, eight million pigs have died or been culled although the real figure is likely much higher. South Korea continues to report cases in wild boar. Myanmar reported a new case in Sagaing states. Pig deaths suspected to be ASF-related have been observed in Indonesia in Nias, North/South Sumatra, Bali, and East Nusa Tenggara. Timor-Leste has a total of 126 outbreaks currently ongoing in the country, and seven of 13 cities are affected.

 

Several challenges were identified in terms of the control of ASF in Asia. There is a high pig population density in east and southeast Asia.

 

The region also has large numbers of small-scale pig farming with low biosecurity.

 

Other challenges highlighted are:

 

- Value chains are complex and operate across national borders;

 

- Cultural practices around pig use and food consumption may create additional risk pathways.

 

- Globalisation has made it easy for people and products to travel fast and over long distances.

 

- OIE