December 30, 2011

Russia faces impending ASF for the third time

Russia is facing an impending third wave of African swine fever (ASF) pandemic that can affect the entire European part of Russia, reported the deputy head of Rosselkhoznadzor, chief veterinary inspector, Nikolai Vlasov.

Experts estimate that the second wave of spread of ASF, which operated from spring to early December has almost fully realised its potential. According to experts, the third wave will be even more destructive and has the potential to spread not only within the European Russia, but also go beyond and reach neighbouring states. In the at risk group there are primarily the CIS countries - Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Belarus. The Baltic countries have relatively less risk - Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. According to Rosselkhoznadzor experts, the third wave of ASF will begin in January 2012 and will run for most of next year.

According to the chief veterinary inspector of Russia, endemic disadvantaged areas include the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts where the disease spreads across domestic and wild pigs. The situation regarding the spread of the virus from feed is out of control.