SAFOSO partners with FAO on African swine fever training in Asia

SAFOSO developed and conducted a regional training on African swine fever with veterinarians in South East Asia in partnership with the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific and was supported by USAID.

African swine fever has been reported in a total of 13 countries in the region. Asia produces 58% of pigs globally (FAOSTAT), therefore concerns are growing for its impacts on food security and economics.

To strengthen the capacity of frontline animal health personnel in the region, SAFOSO and FAO have chosen a cascading approach. In the first phase trainers are being trained, who then train veterinarians at the country and field levels.

The regional Training of Trainers that took place from June 22 to July 2, 2020 was composed of online presentations, simulation exercises, group work, quizzes, and self-study modules.

Over 30 participants from Cambodia, Myanmar and Viet Nam attended the online training, during which Patrik Buholzer and Carla Stoffel presented on behalf of SAFOSO.

The training covered all aspects of African swine fever detection and response:

• Identifying disease: recognition of clinical signs, detection of increased deaths and diagnostics
• Emergency response: outbreak investigation, reporting to authorities through to official notification to the OIE, implementation of containment measures, depopulation of herds, disposal of animals and decontamination
• Post emergency phase: recovery of farms, restocking by introducing new animals

 For the concept note and training program visit the FAO Regional Office site.

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