June 12, 2019

SHIC Supports OIE African Swine Fever Resolution

African swine fever (ASF) continues to impact the swine industry worldwide. During the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) annual meeting last week in Paris, member countries considered and passed a resolution regarding ASF. Within Resolution No. 33 is a framework for addressing this global threat, recognizing the need for collaborative preparedness, prevention, detection, and control measures. Key points from the resolution are included in this article and the full text is here. Of particular note is the recommendation for OIE to develop specific guidelines for implementation of zoning and compartmentalization. An ad hoc working group will meet this year to draft these guidelines, which could help continue international pork marketing even after a contained ASF outbreak.

Considerations

ASF is a global threat to all pork producers
In addition to affecting swine, ASF impacts livelihoods, food security, and trade
Control is feasible but unlikely to succeed without a coordinated regional and global approach
Lack of a vaccine as well as knowledge gaps require coordinated research and development
The OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code provides harmonized international standards for mitigating zoosanitary risks
Implementing OIE standards in relation to ASF risk management can be implemented for risk analysis, zoning, and compartmentalization
A mechanism for uniting public and private sector stakeholders for understanding and relationship building is needed for collaboration
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/OIE Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) is an effective tool
Regional Standing Groups of Experts on ASF (SGEs-ASF), under the umbrella of GF-TADs, will provide for regular exchange of information

Recommendations

ASF control be considered a very high priority by Member Countries regardless of their ASF status
ASF requires risk management through national control programs
Risk communications are essential to effectively address high risk practices
Maintain transparency and trust with trading partners
Implement relevant OIE standards to ensure safe international trade
Manage risk of business continuity within preparedness planning related to trade
Take all practice steps to prevent disease spread including via illegal practices
Improve veterinary services as well as support national surveillance and control programs
Launch a global initiative for the control of ASF
Account for regional specificities for global control
Support establishment of regional SGEs
OIE with FAO establishes and maintains an ASF Reference Laboratory network
OIE develops specific guidelines for implementation of zoning and compartmentalization
OIE and FAO with partners achieve agreement on value of investment for global control to facilitate access for financing needs
Support research alliances

Funded by America’s pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd, the Swine Health Information Center focuses its efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research for the benefit of swine health. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit https://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at [email protected].

SHIC Supports OIE African Swine Fever Resolution

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