Source: WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 7/20/20 Pork is the most consumed meat in the world, representing 35.6 percent of global meat consumption. In recent years, African swine Fever (ASF) - which may cause up to 100 percent mortality in pigs - has become a major crisis for the pork industry, causing massive losses in pig populations and generating drastic economic consequences. Currently affecting several countries of Africa, Asia and the Pacific, and Europe, and with no effective vaccine, the disease is not only impeding animal health and welfare but has detrimental impacts on the livelihoods of farmers. "Today, 51 countries
are affected by African swine fever. Amid the difficult situation posed by
COVID-19, ASF continues to spread, intensifying the current health and
socioeconomic crises," said Dr Matthew Stone, OIE Deputy Director General
for International Standards and Science. Many countries that are
affected by ASF lack sufficient human, financial or technical resources to
rapidly detect, respond and contain animal diseases. "In this globalised
world, where diseases can spread rapidly across borders, timely sharing of
latest scientific information, international collaboration and notification of
ASF are needed to prevent transboundary spread and minimise impact," said
FAO Deputy Director-General, Maria Helena Semedo. The OIE and FAO call on
countries and partners to join forces against this deadly pig disease by
adoptingthe new Initiative for the Global Control of ASF. Building upon the
experience of the long-standing collaboration between the OIE and FAO for the
management of animal health related risks, the joint Global Framework for the
Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) developed the
Global Initiative with the aim of fostering national, regional, and global
partnerships, to strengthen control measures and to minimise the impact of this
complex and challenging disease. The Initiative for the
Global Control of ASF aims to: 1.
Improve the capability of countries to control (prevent, respond, eradicate)
ASF using OIE International Standards and best practices that are based on the
latest science. 2.
Establish an effective coordination and cooperation framework for the global
control of ASF. 3.
Facilitate business continuity ensuring safe production and trade to protect
food systems. Coordinated actions as
part of the Global Initiative should take place alongside maintaining
transparency regarding reporting of animal diseases and investing in strong and
resilient animal health systems. The Global Initiative
builds on previous regional efforts and follows recommendations of ASF experts
from around the world. It aims to strengthen national Veterinary Services
ability to manage risks through the development and implementation of ASF
national control programmes, with public and private sectors working in
partnership. Risk communication with the relevant stakeholders will be a
crucial element to effectively address risk pathways and high-risk practices. On a global scale, the
sustained spread of ASF poses a threat to food security, economic and rural
development. The disease represents a barrier to the agricultural sector to
reach its full potential, generate employment and alleviate poverty, and acts
as a disincentive to investment in the pig sector. Global control of ASF will
thus contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,
notably Goals 1 (No Poverty) and 2 (Zero Hunger).
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