What is the source of African swine fever? A detailed guide
In response to the continuously emerging African swine fever outbreaks in China, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs stated clearly today that China's African swine fever outbreaks were introduced from abroad, and that in the coming period the disease will still show a sporadic, scattered pattern, but a regional epidemic outbreak is unlikely.
Generally, there are four main routes by which African swine fever is introduced across borders: first, international trade in and smuggling of live pigs and their products; second, pork and pork products carried by international travelers; third, kitchen leftovers on international transport vehicles; and fourth, the migration of wild boars.
After the first African swine fever outbreak was discovered in China, we immediately carried out an epidemiological investigation. Judging from the current epidemiological investigation, the possible routes of introduction of African swine fever into China are also mainly the several categories mentioned above. China has frequent personnel exchanges and goods trade with countries where African swine fever has occurred; pork prices are higher than in neighboring countries, and smuggling activities are endless despite repeated crackdowns; the number and population density of wild boars in border areas continue to increase, so the risk of disease introduction is higher than in other countries. At present, our ministry is working with relevant departments to strengthen joint traceability investigations and is using molecular epidemiological methods for analysis, in order to further identify the route of introduction.
In terms of doing a good job in epidemic prevention and control, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs just published the "Eight Prohibitions for African Swine Fever Epidemic Prevention and Control" on November 21, 2018, making it clear that it is strictly prohibited to conceal, falsely report, delay, or omit reporting animal epidemics, or to obstruct others from reporting animal epidemics; it is strictly prohibited to fail to accept or verify reports of animal epidemics; third, it is strictly prohibited to fail to show up or fail to carry out animal epidemic inspections properly; it is strictly prohibited to fail to perform animal disease testing duties or to issue false testing reports; it is strictly prohibited to issue certificates without quarantine or to issue certificates in violation of regulations; it is strictly prohibited to use or resell animal health certificates, stamps, and marks in violation of regulations; it is strictly prohibited to handle infected or suspected infected animals, animal products, and related items in violation of regulations; and it is strictly prohibited to fail to investigate and deal with illegal and non-compliant acts when discovered.