3 March
Japan's agriculture ministry has warned there is a possibility that African swine fever could come to Japan, after Vietnamese authorities confirmed outbreaks of the disease at more than 10 farms in Vietnam.
The African swine fever virus is different from the swine fever virus that has been spreading in five prefectures in Japan. The disease cannot be transmitted to humans, but it is highly contagious among pigs. Infected animals run high fevers and have other symptoms. Most cases result in death.
There had been sporadic cases on the African continent before cases were reported in Eastern Europe and Russia around 12 years ago. Last August, the first case was reported in China. The disease quickly spread to about 130 pig farms.
Outbreaks were also confirmed in Mongolia. Following the outbreak in Vietnam, Japan's agriculture ministry started reminding airline passengers that they cannot bring in meat products without a proper permit. The ministry is increasing the number of animal quarantine officers and sniffer dogs at airports, in an effort to keep the deadly disease out of the country.
Dr. Makoto Yamakawa, an expert at the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, says that the threat of the disease coming into Japan is increasing. He says further steps should be taken to improve sanitation at pig farms.—NHK
