UN warns of the threat of African swine fever to the American countries

The first cases of African swine fever have been reported in the Americas, experts from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have warned, August 2 reports Prensa Latina.

The note, issued by the FAO regional office, calls on American countries to step up preventive measures to avoid an epidemic.

Experts explained that African swine fever does not pose a risk to human health through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of products of swine origin, but it can cause serious economic damage and undermine food security. This disease is found on all continents, and has already spread to more than 50 countries in Africa, Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

“Given the high mortality rate of animals, the spread and endemic persistence of African swine fever, the disease could seriously affect the pig industry, as well as national and international trade in its products,” the note says.

The FAO called for increased border controls to prevent the movement of pigs and pork products, as well as increased biosecurity measures at pig farms.