The spread of African Swine Fever in Russia has United Nations officials worried that the virus could eventually jump into Europe, central Asia and possibly China, according to a memo the U.S. Meat Export Federation issued to its members.

Concerns emerged after the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization reported detection of ASF near St. Petersberg, Russia, a red flag since the disease for the past several years reportedly had been confined to the Caucasus region of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan and neighboring areas of southern Russia. St. Petersburg is more than 1,200 miles to the north and west of this region.

Although not a threat to human health, ASF can be extremely deadly in swine. The virus is believed to have killed about 6,000 pigs during the first half of 2009 and forced the culling of about 42,000 additional pigs.

"If recent ASF outbreaks in Russia are as widespread as available information indicates, they could represent a significant setback to Russia's goal of attaining self-sufficiency in pork production," USMEF said.

As no vaccine for ASF exists, countries are being told to up early detection and response efforts.