The Department of Agriculture is warning local farmers of the possible spread African Swine Fever from the Dominican Republic.
The department says that it was notified by the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) that there is presently an outbreak of African Swine Fever in the Dominican Republic, one of the TCI’s neighbouring informal trading partners.
African Swine Fever is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease affecting both domestic and feral pigs of all ages and can threaten agriculture. The virus is not a threat to human health and cannot be transmitted from pigs to humans or from humans to pigs. The virus cannot be treated by use of vaccines so the main way of controlling the disease is by prevention.
On-farm biosecurity is crucial to preventing any animal disease from developing and spreading. All pig owners and anyone involved with pig operations should know and follow strict biosecurity practices for example avoid exchanging pigs or visiting farms without cleaning and disinfecting boots. Farmers are being encouraged to work with veterinarians to assess their biosecurity plans and make improvements as needed.
The department says that if persons are planning to visit countries affected by African Swine Fever then they should take precautions when visiting farms, do not bring back pork products, and do not visit any animal facilities with pigs for at least five days after you return.
Farmers and veterinarians are being told to be on the look for the following signs in pig populations.
High fever
Decreased appetite and weakness
Red, blotchy skin or skin lesions
Diarrhea and vomiting
Coughing and difficult breathing
Immediately report animals with any of these signs to the Agriculture Department’s animal health officials by calling 338-5269 on Providenciales and 338-3882 on Grand Turk.
The Importation of live pigs and pork products from the Dominican Republic is now banned until further notice.
