Joint plan to tackle Asian swine flu
Pork is the most consumed meat in the world, representing 35.6 percent of global meat consumption. In recent years, ASF has become a major crisis for the pork industry, causing massive losses in pig populations and generating drastic economic consequences.
Dr Matthew Stone, OIE Deputy Director General for International Standards and Science, said: “Today, 51 countries are affected by African swine fever. Amid the difficult situation posed by COVID-19, ASF continues to spread, intensifying the current health and socioeconomic crises.”
The joint Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Diseases (GF-TADs) developed the Global Initiative with the aim of fostering national, regional, and global partnerships, to strengthen control measures and to minimise the disease.
OIE added: “On a global scale, the sustained spread of ASF poses a threat to food security, economic and rural development. The disease represents a barrier to the agricultural sector to reach its full potential, generate employment and alleviate poverty, and acts as a disincentive to investment in the pig sector. Global control of ASF will thus contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably goals 1 (no poverty) and 2 (zero hunger).”
