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African Swine Fever (ASF) remains deeply entrenched in Georgia and 

has recently also hit northern Armenia and the outskirts of the 

capital Yerevan, FAO said today [3 Oct 2007]. It is certain that the 

epidemic in Georgia is the source of the outbreaks in Armenia, FAO said.



African Swine Fever was confirmed in Georgia in early June 2007, the 

1st time the virus occurred in the Caucasus region. The virus was 

probably introduced [at the latest in April 2007. - Mod.AS] by 

improperly disposed waste from international ships carrying 

contaminated meat or meat products.



The virus has rapidly spread throughout Georgia, with 52 of 65 

districts being currently affected. It is likely that more outbreaks 

will occur, FAO warned. More than 68 000 pigs have died of the virus 

or been culled. Proper surveillance followed by killing infected 

animals or animals at risk, movement control of animals, and 

biosecurity on farms is essential to get the disease under control.



In Georgia, around 500 000 pigs are kept mainly in backyards. They 

are usually allowed to roam freely, which contributes to the spread 

of the disease. Pig production is an important source of meat for 

rural communities and of income. [Wild boars should be taken into 

consideration as well, potentially becoming the reservoir of the ASF 

virus. - Mod.AS]



In Armenia, outbreaks are on the rise and it seems likely that the 

virus is spreading. "All pig units must be regarded as being at 

risk," a recent joint mission of the European Community, FAO, and the 

World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to Armenia warned. Pigs 

number between several hundred thousand and over one million and are 

mainly kept in small backyard herds.



FAO is planning to provide emergency technical assistance to Georgia 

and Armenia in order to accelerate rapid surveillance and to support 

the governments in implementing a national control strategy. FAO also 

aims to strengthen veterinary services through training and the 

provision of equipment. Public awareness campaigns are required to 

involve the public in disease control.



"The drastic reduction of veterinarians in Georgia, lack of transport 

at all levels, insufficient surveillance and monitoring programmes, 

poor biosecurity, and uncontrolled swill feeding are issues that need 

to be urgently addressed," said FAO veterinary expert Klaus Depner. 

"Georgia is a completely unprotected country regarding the 

introduction of highly dangerous viruses. ASF offers a chance to 

improve disease surveillance and control capacity and build a line of 

defence against future animal diseases," he said.



ASF is a highly contagious virus infection of pigs that is usually 

lethal. The disease is not dangerous for humans. ASF is endemic in 

domestic and wild pigs in most of sub-Saharan Africa and 

Sardinia/Italy. The disease can wipe out entire pig populations and 

has serious impact on food security and livelihoods. There are no 

vaccines or drugs available to prevent or control the infection.



--

Coulibaly Sidi





[Georgia's 4 reports to the OIE on ASF within its boundaries, 

submitted between 5 Jun 2007 and 13 Aug 2007, are available at



A separate notification addressed the outbreak in Abkhazia (see 



Armenia's immediate, and so far only notification was submitted on 29 

Aug 2007 and is available at



Follow-up reports from both countries will be helpful. - Mod.AS]



African swine fever - Georgia (08) 20070817.2689

African swine fever - Georgia (06) 20070615.1954

African swine fever - Georgia (05) 20070611.1901

African swine fever - Armenia (02) 20070922.3150

...................................arn/mj/mpp