Georgia: African Swine Fever is contained
Georgian authorities have prevented a major spread of African Swine Fever, that had already killed thousands of pigs, the nation’s deputy agriculture minister announced.
In recent months, authorities in the former Soviet republic have isolated pigs and prohibited their transport, killed pigs whose owners couldn’t be found and disinfected areas affected by the disease, Bakur Kvezereli told the Associated Press.
The sale of pork also has been banned at shops and markets in Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi, and other areas.
“Today we can say that thanks to the measures that have been taken, we have managed to prevent the further spread of the epidemic,” the deputy minister said.
Warning
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had warned that the disease could have a catastrophic economic impact unless it was contained.
The FAO said the virus might have entered Georgia through imported frozen or processed pig meat. Pigs can get the disease by eating infected meat or tissues or by contact with infected animals or contaminated equipment.
Caucasus
African Swine Fever killed some 30,000 pigs in Georgia. Kvezereli said more pigs are expected to die in the affected areas of the Caucasus Mountain nation.
Last week, Russia announced that it has restricted imports of farm animals and raw meat from Georgia.
More on African Swine Fever can be read in the upcoming issue of Pig Progress.
Related news items:
• UN warns for ASF outbreak in Georgia (12 Jun 2007)
• Georgia confirms outbreak of African Swine Fever (8 Jun 2007)
Related web sites:
• Associated Press
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
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