A pilot project is now in progress to determine whether the deadly African Swine Fever virus is present among the pig population in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA) is teaming up with the United States Department of Agriculture to assist the Ministry of Agriculture in conducting field tests of pig farms in the country.
IICA National Specialist for Antigua and Barbuda, Craig Thomas, said fifteen technicians from the Veterinary Division of the ministry are attending the two-day workshop on the subject.
“As part of the pilot project, we will be surveying farms to see if there is any evidence of African Swine Fever virus among the herds. This virus has the potential of wiping out entire herds of pigs and our survey is seen as a preventive step. The virus does not affect humans, but humans play a part in spreading it from farm to farm or from country to country,” Thomas explained.
He revealed that similar surveys have been conducted in approximately eight CARICOM Caribbean countries and the virus has not been detected in any of them. However, he noted that the virus has been found in pigs in the Dominican Republic. He explained that persons traveling to that country and who come into contact with infected pigs without observing the required safety protocols could potentially spread the virus to another country.
According to the IICA representative, there are some 25 vibrant pig farms with fifty or more pigs operating in Antigua and Barbuda that are helping to meet the growing demand for pork. However, he noted that there still is a high rate of importation of pork, and that this is another area where the virus could enter the country.
On Tuesday, the team will visit four fours to conduct tests of their pigs and that the samples will be sent to an overseas lab for analysis.
Thomas emphasized that the project is an ongoing exercise with the expectation that the ministry of agriculture will secure the funding to continue the surveillance at the end of the pilot phase.
