Phnom Penh - African Swine Fever (ASF) has become a major concern in Asia as it has rapidly spread to 11 countries, including Cambodia, after the first case confirmed in China in August 2018.

The ASF affects food security, livelihoods of communities, as well as the social-economic development of the affected country. It has become a growing concern as the virus expands toward more areas and countries.

ASF is a highly fatal infectious disease of domestic and wild pigs. The ASF virus is very resistant and can survive long periods in very cold and very hot weather, and even in dried or cured pork products or carcasses. Due to its high environmental resistance, ASF virus transmission can also occur via contaminated feed and other non-living objects such as shoes, clothes, vehicles, knives, equipment etc.

There is yet no confirmed effective vaccine to prevent the disease. Even though ASF is not a risk to human health, it is responsible for serious production and economic losses.

Early detection and rapid response were identified as crucial control measures to minimize the impact of ASF. Proper surveillance and awareness raising are important to contain the disease at an early stage and to minimize further spread.

Through a project of the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAP), together with other partners and countries, with financial support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Cambodia will be able to have field capacities in place for ASF detection and emergency response. The efforts will be focusing on key important areas: 1) risk-based strategies and guidelines for ASF surveillance; 2) information, education and communication (IECs) materials on ASF to advocate for better understanding of the disease and to collaborate with relevant stakeholders; 3) standard operating procedures (SOPs) for ASF emergency operations; and 4) strengthened capacities for field early detection and emergency response of ASF at all levels.

The General Directorate of Animal Health and Production (GDAHP) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and its relevant provincial departments are to benefit from this project. Around 25 relevant government officials were gathered at an inception workshop on 12 March 2020, which aimed to discuss and identify priority activities to be carried out and to define roles and responsibilities among key partners.