The workshop conducted for specialists in the Bryansk and Belgorod regions heard a keynote speech from Prof VV Makarov, an expert in the field of African Swine Fever.

In his presentation he gave detailed information on the virus, its genotypic diversity, geographical distribution and its clinical signs.

The workshop is one of a series scheduled for the year to look at the problems of prevention faced by the authorities and the veterinary services. The workshops were announced last year by the Federal Centre for Animal Health.

At the workshop last week in Vladimir, the delegates also heard from experts who are currently tackling the problem in Russia, looking at the slaughter programme, disinfection the necessary documentation and the performance of the veterinary specialists in combatting the disease.