ASF now in Armenia and deemed serious threat for rest of Europe
GEORGIA - African Swine Fever (ASF) remains deeply entrenched in Georgia and has recently also hit northern Armenia and the outskirts of the capital Yerevan, says the UN's Food and Agricultural Organisation(FAO).
3 October 2007
2 minute read
The EU, Russia, the Ukraine and other countries have a serious problem on their doorsteps that needs to be urgently addressed.
FAO Chief Veterinary Officer Joseph Domenech.
It is certain that the epidemic in Georgia is the source of the outbreaks in Armenia, FAO said.
"The spread of the African Swine Fever virus to the Caucasus region poses a very serious animal health risk and could lead to a dramatic situation," said FAO Chief Veterinary Officer Joseph Domenech.
"Without a more vigorous surveillance and disease control strategy the virus could become endemic in the Caucasus and could eventually make its way to other regions. The EU, Russia, the Ukraine and other countries have a serious problem on their doorsteps that needs to be urgently addressed," he added.
African Swine Fever was confirmed in Georgia in early June 2007, the first time the virus occurred in the Caucasus region. The virus was probably introduced by improperly disposed waste from international ships carrying contaminated meat or meat products.
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