Смертельная угроза чумы свиней: судьба диких свиней и продовольственная безопасность millones de personas

The worst-affected region is Borneo in Southeast Asia, where bearded pig numbers have fallen by 90-100% since ASF arrived on the island in 2021. These pigs play an important role in the ecosystem, dispersing seeds and helping to restore forests. Their disappearance could have catastrophic consequences for the environment and local communities.

Professor Eric Meillaard, lead author of the paper published in the journal Science, analyzed data from camera traps and observations in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. The results showed a sharp decline in pig numbers in these countries, especially after ASF outbreaks.

Scientists warn that a full recovery of the wild pig population after ASF is unlikely. This means that millions of people who depend on pork as their main source of protein will have to find alternative sources of nutrition.

In addition, the disappearance of bearded pigs could have serious environmental consequences. These animals play an important role in dispersing seeds and maintaining healthy forests. Their disappearance could lead to a reduction in biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.

Experts are calling for urgent intervention to prevent further spread of ASF and protect remaining wild pig populations. Effective biosecurity measures must be developed and implemented, and research must be conducted to develop a vaccine and therapeutics against this deadly virus.

The fate of wild pigs and the food security of millions of people depends on how quickly and effectively we respond to this threat.

African Swine Fever: Insights into Impacts and the Need for an Integrated Approach

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and fatal disease of pigs that can cause significant economic damage to the pig industry. In recent years, ASF has spread throughout the world, causing serious concern among farmers and animal HEALTH professionals.

Recent studies to create an effective vaccine against ASF have shown positive results. However, vaccinating domestic pigs is a more practical and cost-effective solution than vaccinating wild pigs. Vaccination of wild pigs would be extremely logistically challenging and costly to implement.

Professor Benoit Goossens of Cardiff University, one of the letter's authors, emphasizes that wild pigs play an important role in the culture and diet of many different peoples in Southeast Asia. The spread of ASF worldwide through the movement of pigs and pig products is devastating wild pig populations in the region.

James Wood, an epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, says every effort must be made to prevent further spread of ASF between islands in Southeast Asia, particularly through the trade in pigs and pig products. The consequences of the disease in this region could be much more serious than just economic losses in the pig industry.

Dr Harriet Bartlett from the University of Oxford emphasizes the importance of broadening the focus of ASF control beyond immediate economic concerns. The wider environmental and social consequences of the disease need to be considered.

Effective management of ASF requires a comprehensive approach that includes vaccination of domestic pigs, control of the movement of pigs and pig products, and measures to protect wild pigs and mitigate the social and economic impact of the disease.