African swine fever (ASF) is a deadly pig disease that has been historically limited to Africa with few incursions in Europe. However, in 2007 a new incursion in Europe lead to its continuous spread from Easter Europe to Asia in the past 12 years. It was reported for the first time in China PR in August 2018 but since then has spread quickly to large parts of the country and to several countries of east and southeast Asia.
In the past years, several meetings and workshops were conducted and have raised awareness on ASF and other pig diseases spread to or within countries of South East Asia. However, the level of preparedness and readiness is very heterogeneous in the region. Despite communication and prevention campaign, many farmers, traders, veterinarians have limited knowledge of this disease and its specific epidemiology and are unprepared to ASF introduction and control.
Relevant and practical information on the key activities to prevent and to control ASF is needed on a large scale. The WOAH Sub-Regional Representation for South East Asia (SRR-SEA) has thus been developing a series of webinars on ASF-related topics. These webinars aim at providing scientific information, shared experience, tips, options to countries of the sub-region and are targeting a large public, including key staff from Veterinary Services or pig industry which would not be able to physically attend workshops during this crisis period. Recognised experts in the topics participate in the webinars.
The webinar videos and presentations are available to view below. Other topics such as ASF-related welfare issues and solutions, establishment of pig compartments, biosecurity in markets and slaughterhouses, or sample collection will be addressed soon. Subscribe to the mailing list and receive more information about these future webinars at [email protected].
Webinar #1: Early detection of ASF, sampling and immediate measures to be taken on suspicion/confirmation – 30 April 2019
Webinar #2: What kind of biosecurity at small & backyard pig farms? – 14 May 2019
Webinar #3: Culling and safe disposal of carcasses – 21 May 2019
Webinar #4: Biosecurity in big commercial pig farms (& compartmentalisation) – 4 June 2019
Webinar #5: Border control – 18 June 2019
Webinar #6: Treatment of swill to inactivate ASF virus – MODIFICATION OF THE DATE – Scheduled on Tuesday 9 July 2019, 2 pm Bangkok time
Webinar #7: Risk Communication – 1 August, 2019
Webinar #8: Wild boar and their role with regard to ASF – 13 August, 2019
Webinar #9: Ticks and their Role with regard to ASF – 20 August, 2019
Webinar #10: Pig Welfare – 8 October, 2019
Resource: WOAH Regional Workshop on ASF Compartmentalisation
