The Veterinary and Livestock Division Services of the Ministry of Agriculture wishes to notify the public of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Dominican Republic. On July 28^th, 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture of Dominican Republic confirmed the presence of ASF in the country, and as of August 16, 2021, tens of thousands of pigs have been slaughtered in an effort to control the spread of the disease.

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious haemorrhagic viral disease that affects domestic and wild pigs of all ages. With a mortality rate of up to 100%, the disease causes devastating production and economic losses, ultimately affecting both national and international trade.

ASF primarily originated in sub-Saharan Africa. More recently, it has spread through China and other parts of Asia, as well as some countries in Europe. With this outbreak in the Dominican Republic, this is the first time ASF has been found in the Western Hemisphere since the 1980s.

Saint Lucia is free from this disease and so at present ASF does not pose any immediate threat to the wellbeing of the country’s livestock production.  African Swine Fever does NOT pose a threat to public health and is not a food safety issue. The Ministry of Agriculture urges the public to continue their normal consumption of pork and pork products as there is no health risk involved.

How is African Swine Fever Spread?

The ASF virus is a very tough and resistant and can persist in environment. It can be spread by infected live or dead pigs, infected animals’ body fluids and contaminated animal feed and pork products. Furthermore, people are also a source of spread; as they can move the virus on vehicles or clothing.

Clinical Signs of African Swine Fever

The acute form of the disease is characterised by high fever, depression, anorexia and loss of appetite, haemorrhages in the skin (redness of skin on ears, abdomen and legs), abortion in pregnant sows, cyanosis, vomiting, diarrhoea and death within 6-13 days (or up to 20 days.

Chronic disease symptoms include weight loss, intermittent fever, respiratory signs, chronic skin ulcers and arthritis.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no vaccine or cure for African Swine Fever. The only way to stop this disease is to depopulate ALL affected or exposed pigs. It is therefore vital that all steps are taken to prevent the entry of the virus into St. Lucia. Preventing the disease from entering St. Lucia’s borders relies on strong border control and biosecurity measures which would keep infected animals and contaminated pork products out of the country. Proper disposal of food waste from aircrafts and ships is also critical in preventing the transmission of ASF to our pigs.

What can the Public do?

• Do not import illegal “live” animals, meats and meat products into the country.
• Do not engage in the trade of illegal pork and pork products.
• Do not feed pigs uncooked human food waste.
• Do not travel with meats products from affected countries
• Travelers must dispose of all food waste in appropriate bins at the airport and at all ports of entry into St. Lucia.
• Travelers must declare all meat products upon arrival at ports of entry
• Contact the Veterinary and Livestock Services Division if you notice any suspicious illness in pigs.

Swine producers and butchers are asked to be vigilant, monitor their pigs and ensure proper biosecurity measures are kept on farms. Contact the Veterinary and Livestock Services immediately if there are any signs of suspicious illness in pigs.

Veterinary and Livestock Services Division

Telephone: 468-5621, 468-5690

Mobile: 518-2067

Remember!

• ASF has NO impact on human health. Humans cannot contract ASF from infected pigs nor by eating meat from a pig infected with ASF.
• ASF can devastate our swine industry and is a threat to the national food security and livelihoods.
• This disease is highly resistant in the environment and can persist in pork products, like hams, bacon, sausages, etc. The movements of humans can spread the disease to pigs.
• Do not feed uncooked meat, restaurant and other human food waste and swill to pigs.

The Ministry of Agriculture solicits the support of the public and all its stakeholders in order to keep St. Lucia free of this destructive virus of pigs, African Swine Fever.