ASF now in Armenia and deemed serious threat for rest of Europe

It is certain that the epidemic in Georgia is the source of the outbreaks in Armenia, FAO said.

"The spread of the African Swine Fever virus to the Caucasus region poses a very serious animal health risk and could lead to a dramatic situation," said FAO Chief Veterinary Officer Joseph Domenech.

"Without a more vigorous surveillance and disease control strategy the virus could become endemic in the Caucasus and could eventually make its way to other regions. The EU, Russia, the Ukraine and other countries have a serious problem on their doorsteps that needs to be urgently addressed," he added.

African Swine Fever was confirmed in Georgia in early June 2007, the first time the virus occurred in the Caucasus region. The virus was probably introduced by improperly disposed waste from international ships carrying contaminated meat or meat products.

Further Reading

	- Find out more information on AFRICAN SWINE FEVER by clicking here.
	- Go to our previous news item on this story by clicking here.

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