The African Swine Fever is a disease that is preventable
By: Maha Altamimi
On September 20, the Chief Veterinary Officer in Haiti, Dr. Mary Jane Ireland reported a positive case of the African Swine Fever ( ASF). The disease was tested through a collaboration between the US Department of Agriculture and the World Health Organization (WHO).
When the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) on July 22 detected ASF in the Dominican Republic, which was the first time the disease was seen in the Americas in 40 years, Canada increased its vigilance for the safety and welfare of its citizens. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) also worked with the CBSA to strengthen its border controls for the Caribbean region, in which they enhanced screening of travelers and mail originating.
The finding of African swine fever in Haiti, Canada has prompted to step up its efforts to prevent the spread of the disease to other regions, and to continue working with its international trading partners to ensure that the highest levels of biosecurity are maintained to prevent the spread of ASF. As indicated by the various agencies within the Canadian government.
According to the experts, ASF can not be transmitted to humans and it is not a food safety issue. However, it is considered a threat to the pigs, and if infected must be destroyed.
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