The Context of Application of Biosecurity for Control of African Swine Fever in Smallholder Pig Systems: Current Gaps and Recommendations.

Florence Mutua,Michel Dione

doi:10.3389/fvets.2021.689811

Florence Mutua, Michel Dione

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.689811

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Abstract

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly fatal disease of pigs. It is a threat to the pig industry as it lowers production and significantly impacts on livelihoods. ASF has no cure and a vaccine against it is yet to be developed. Outbreaks continue to be reported in Africa and Asia, where the setting of the pig value chain (farm, market, and slaughter practices) coupled with the risky behaviors of actors, contribute to persistence of the virus in pig populations. The role of these factors in the epidemiology of the disease is reviewed with a focus on smallholder pig systems in Africa. Biosecurity at the farm level is particularly emphasized, and factors influencing its adoption highlighted. Socio-cultural factors and weaknesses at the disease control policy level are critical and should not be ignored. Gender and equity are important aspects and ought to be considered in discussions to improve the sector. The findings are expected to define priorities for interventions to improve pig productivity (as these regions wait for the vaccine to be developed).

Highlights

The world population continues to increase, and the food insecurity challenge has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic
African swine fever (ASF) remains the greatest threat to the pig sector, globally, and outbreaks can be devastating, especially in small farms who may not have other income sources
Application of biosecurity measures can make a difference in these setting, compliance with even the simplest measures has been, and continues to be, a challenge, especially for farmers and other actors in the pig value chain

Summary

Introduction

The world population continues to increase, and the food insecurity challenge has been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. They are a source of protein and provide micronutrients in forms that are available for the body (iron, calcium, vitamin B12) [1]. Demand for food has been growing in developing countries [2] and this trend is likely to continue in the future, given the predicted increases in human population, challenge of urbanization and rising incomes. Small livestock species, such as pigs, can be raised by people with limited resources [3] providing opportunities for regular supply of protein. Consumption is increasing [7] and has been projected to increase by 154.9% in sub-saharian Africa between 2000 and 2030 [8]

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