African swine fever prevention methods
African Swine Fever is a deadly virus that infects pigs, but does not transmit to humans. The disease can cause serious health problems to animals, with a mortality rate close to 100% and can seriously impact the national economy. African Swine Fever is also in the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)’s list of diseases, since neither vaccine nor effective medication have been developed. Therefore, preventive measures are indispensable for pig farmers in order to avoid this deadly disease.
When it comes to pig rearing, safety measures to prevent infectious diseases and biosafety systems are the first factors that C. P. Cambodia adheres to all its livestock farms and cooperatives farms. Together with partners, the company aims to ensure quality and safety of animals and prevent potential losses caused by infections.
- What should be done if there is a suspicion of infected pigs?
If there is an outbreak of African Swine Fever in the farm area, the first solution is:
- Tighten biosafety systems at the farms, such as stopping the movement of animals until they are confirmed to be safe.
- Notify relevant veterinarians, animal health agents and managers.
- Isolate sick animals, take a blood sample to be sent to a laboratory. Make sure that the virus cannot be spread during this process.
- If the result is positive, all the pigs must be killed.
- What preventive measures do we have in place to prevent the disease?
To prevent the spread of African Swine Fever, it is necessary to cut off the path of the virus and implement better biosafety measures such as:
In case of preventing direct transmission from sick or potentially sick pigs:
- Separate the sick pigs from the healthy pigs, isolate the sick pigs.
- Quarantine newly imported pigs for at least 21-30 days to monitor their health.
In case of prevent indirect transmission:
- Do not feed the pigs with kitchen waste and products originated from animals (Feed the pigs with the standard animal forage).
- Clean and sanitize (Properly mix the disinfectant based on instructions) vehicles, equipment, shoes, clothing before going into the farm. Workers should bathe and wash their hair with shampoo and avoid using water from outside sources. Use 100% chlorine.
- Manage manure and animal carcasses properly.
- Control insects such as flies and mosquitoes, or rodents that transmit the disease by using mosquito nets, insecticides and rodenticides.
- Contact with pigs is prohibited within 48 hours of quarantine after returning to the farm.
- Educate farm owners and workers on disease prevention measures.
References:
- General Department of Animal Health and Production: Disease Situations and Strategies for Responding to Epidemics (July 11, 2019).
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (African Swine Fever Detection and diagnosis, A manual for veterinarians 2017).
