Caribbean countries strengthen approach against African swine fever

During a regional meeting, the existing rapid-response plans were reviewed and updated. These plans must enable countries to quickly move to detection, control and recovery in the event of a possible outbreak.

The meeting was part of a project by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which is technically coordinated by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA).

Since 2024, the project has supported veterinary services in the Caribbean in improving surveillance, diagnostics and crisis response.

Consequences for food security

Barbadian Minister of Agriculture, Food and Nutritional Security Shantal Munro-Knight stressed that animal health is closely linked to food security, trade and the income of people in rural areas.

According to her, regional preparedness is necessary to limit risks and protect farmers. Countries that coordinate their approaches are better able to address health threats, the minister said.

African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease affecting wild and domestic pigs. The disease can cause major economic damage within pig farming. As far as is known, the virus poses no danger to humans.

Improving surveillance and diagnostics

During the meeting, veterinary services shared experiences in epidemiological surveillance, diagnostics, traceability and risk communication. There was also discussion of clear procedures that can be applied immediately when an infection is suspected.

According to USDA official Zackery Tipton, the first hours and weeks after a suspected infection are especially important. National response plans must therefore be up to date, clear and immediately implementable.

IICA project manager Ericka Calderón stated that the participating countries have improved their prevention and response capacity through training, simulations and more intensive cooperation between veterinary services.

“The region’s strategy is to prepare before the virus crosses new borders. Countries that prepare today are better able to respond tomorrow,” Calderón said.

Protection of small producers

Through the cooperation, the organisations involved aim to build a regional network for exchanging knowledge and coordinating procedures. This should enable governments, producers, veterinary services and international institutions to cooperate more quickly and effectively.

The preventive measures are particularly important for small and medium-sized pig farmers, family businesses and companies within the production chain. According to the organisations involved, an outbreak could not only lead to losses of animals and income, but also affect the availability and price of pork in the region.