Russia is on the verge of the third wave of ASF
Russia is on the verge of a new, third wave of African swine fever (ASF) spread, which 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, reaching 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, there are continued the spread of the disease in both domestic and wild pigs. The situation regarding the spread of the virus from feed is out of control.
During 2007-2010 there has only been two outbreaks of ASF outside the so-called endemic disadvantages areas, while in 2011 in 10 months has been seven such outbreaks.
(By Vladislav Vorotnikov)
Join 18,000+ subscribers
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated about all the need-to-know content in the pigsector, three times a week.
