Strengthening veterinary capacity to combat African swine fever in the Western Balkans

Today marks the conclusion of a series of trainings on African swine fever and stamping-out measures conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in the Western Balkans.

African swine fever (ASF) is a lethal viral disease affecting domestic pigs and wild boar, with mortality rates that can reach up to 100 percent. In the absence of a commercially available vaccine, ASF remains the most devastating disease affecting the global pig sector, causing severe economic losses and posing a serious threat to food security and livelihoods.

In response to African swine fever outbreaks in the Western Balkans, FAO launched a project to support the emergency preparedness of the countries concerned. One key activity focused on training veterinary professionals to improve their knowledge of ASF control measures, including depopulation, disposal, and cleaning and disinfection procedures on affected pig farms. Since no vaccine is currently available, the only effective way to eradicate the disease is through stamping out by depopulating the animals, safely disposing all infected carcasses and materials and cleaning and disinfecting the farm, followed by compensation of the owner. This proven method has successfully eradicated ASF and other major transboundary diseases.

The trainings were held in Albania, Kosovo¹ and Montenegro, with support from national experts and veterinary services. An ASF expert from Latvia shared practical experience on stamping-out procedures. 

A total of 41 veterinarians in Kosovo, 89 in Albania and 13 in Montenegro received training. Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through demonstrations on the correct use of personal protective equipment as well as the operation and maintenance of captive bolt devices used in depopulation. Following the trainings, FAO supplied the competent authorities with additional personal protective equipment and captive bolt devices designed to strengthen their emergency response capacity.

“This series of trainings prepared over 100 field veterinarians to respond effectively to African swine fever emergencies,” said Mark Hovari, FAO Animal Health Preparedness Expert. “The skills and equipment provided by FAO will help control the disease across the region.”

While the focus in the Western Balkans is on African swine fever, FAO also supports the control of other priority diseases through Technical Cooperation Programmes, simulation exercises and the Virtual Learning Center training courses.

¹All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).