𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲

…𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕 𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒔𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔, 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒆𝒓 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒊𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒍𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒆, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑹𝒖𝒃𝒆𝒔𝒂 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑻𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒈𝒆𝒘𝒐𝒈𝒔

By Tashi Tshewang

The pig farming industry in Bhutan is grappling with a serious threat: the outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF). The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has confirmed the virus’s presence in Nyalakha village, Rubesa Gewog, Wangdue Phodrang Dzongkhag, where 77 pigs have already been affected. ASF, a highly contagious and deadly disease, has raised alarm among pig farmers and authorities as there is no known cure or vaccine.

In response to the outbreak, the government has imposed stringent guidelines to prevent the virus from spreading further. Farmers are prohibited from feeding their pigs food waste from hotels and restaurants. This food, especially if it contains meat products, may carry the virus. Additionally, the feeding of kitchen waste has been heavily regulated, with the requirement that all such waste be boiled and cooked for at least 30 minutes before being fed to pigs. Biosecurity measures have been stepped up, urging farmers to ensure their pigs do not come into contact with wild boars, as these animals may carry the virus. Visitors to farms are also discouraged in an effort to minimize potential contamination.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has stressed the importance of reporting any suspicious pig deaths immediately. Farmers and the public are being urged to contact local veterinary services at the first signs of illness in pigs to ensure swift containment of the virus.

Illegal pork imports have exacerbated the ASF threat. Contaminated meat from illegal imports has tested positive for ASF in several markets, raising concerns about the spread of the disease. In response, the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA) has fined illegal pork traders a total of Nu. 10.67 million. The government is calling on the public, particularly hotel owners and meat vendors, to refrain from selling illegally imported pork and to report any suspicious activities related to illegal meat sales.

If the ASF outbreak continues to spread, Bhutan risks losing its entire pig population. This would have severe economic implications for thousands of farmers who rely on pig farming as their primary source of income. The country’s domestic pork production is already struggling to meet demand, and an ASF outbreak would increase Bhutan’s reliance on imported pork, worsening the nation’s trade deficit and posing a serious threat to food security.

Unfortunately, there is no cure or vaccine for ASF, which makes prevention efforts all the more critical. The government is working tirelessly to enforce biosecurity measures, but the success of these efforts will depend largely on the response from farmers, authorities, and the public. If biosecurity protocols are not followed rigorously, the virus could spread uncontrollably, leading to catastrophic losses in the country’s pig farming sector.

The outbreak of ASF in Rubesa Gewog has caused significant distress among local pig farmers. The disease has already affected 64 pigs at one farm, and many farmers are now concerned about the potential loss of their livelihoods. The financial impact is severe, especially for those who rely on pig farming as their primary source of income. The affected farmers are being supported by local authorities, but the fear of further outbreaks looms large.

Dr. Sangay Rinchen, Program Director of the National Center for Animal Health at the Department of Livestock, provided guidance on identifying the virus. “Farmers should watch out for signs such as skin discoloration, respiratory distress, and sudden death,” he advised. He also emphasized the importance of early detection, stating that quick action can help prevent the virus from spreading.

Farmers are urged to implement strict biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of ASF transmission. First and foremost, they must avoid introducing new pigs from infected areas. Any new pigs should be quarantined for at least 21 days before being allowed to mingle with the rest of the herd. In addition, farmers must ensure that there is no contact between their domestic pigs and wild boars, which may carry the virus.

The control of human and vehicle access is another key measure. ASF can be transmitted through contaminated equipment, clothing, or vehicles. Farmers are advised to restrict access to their farms and ensure that all visitors or workers follow proper biosecurity protocols. Additionally, animal carcasses and waste must be disposed of in a safe and hygienic manner to prevent the virus from spreading through blood, tissues, or bodily fluids. Regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment and pens are essential for preventing contamination. Feeding untreated kitchen waste must be avoided at all costs, as it may contain ASF-infected meat products.

Dr. Rinchen further stressed the importance of farm management. He said, “It’s crucial to maintain a high level of hygiene on farms, and the quarantine of new animals is a must. Preventing contact with wild boars and following sanitation protocols can go a long way in keeping ASF under control.”

Local authorities in Rubesa Gewog have acted quickly to contain the outbreak. Karma Wangdi, Rubesa Gup, noted, “We took immediate steps to inform the Dzongda and held an emergency meeting to discuss the situation. We mobilized resources quickly, with full support from the dzongkhag administration.”

The government has also deployed a team of specialists to investigate the situation, collecting samples for testing and monitoring the affected farms. Movement restrictions on pork products have been imposed, and farmers have been educated on the importance of biosecurity and the necessary precautions to take.

In Tsento Gewog, the ASF outbreak has affected two pig farms, with more than 20 pigs already infected. Tsento Gewog Gup, Chencho Gyeltshen, shared, “We acted swiftly to contain the outbreak, with the support of the Livestock Department. Our efforts to implement disease prevention measures have been critical in limiting the spread.”

The ASF outbreak has caused significant disruptions to the meat supply chain. Meat vendors in Rubesa Gewog are struggling to meet demand due to the impact of the disease on local farms. Dhan Bdr Gajmer, a meat vendor, expressed concern: “Our suppliers have stopped providing pork, and we can’t meet the demand. This is severely affecting our sales.”

The ASF outbreak has resulted in a pork shortage in the market, creating financial strain for many vendors who rely on a steady supply of meat to maintain their businesses. The government’s restrictions on pork sales have further compounded these challenges, as vendors struggle to find alternative sources of supply.

Consumers are also expressing their concerns about the safety of pork products in the wake of the outbreak. Pema Dema, a consumer, voiced her apprehension. She said, “I used to buy pork regularly, but now I am not sure if it’s safe. There’s so much talk about ASF spreading, and I am worried about the pork being sold.”

This growing concern among consumers is further fueled by the uncertainty surrounding the safety of pork products. As a result, some individuals are reducing their pork consumption or seeking alternative sources of protein.

Despite the challenges, there is hope that the outbreak can be contained with the cooperation of farmers, authorities, and the public. The government’s efforts to implement strict biosecurity measures are vital in preventing further spread of the virus. However, it is essential that all parties involved take the threat seriously and adhere to preventive protocols. With continued vigilance and prompt action, Bhutan’s pig farming industry may be able to recover and protect the country’s food security in the face of this crisis.