1. What is the Montenegrin status in the region in the context of ASK? (The latest information of stock in MNE, numbers and status in the region by EFSA research)
One year ago, EFSA published an opinion assessing the risks that African swine fever posed in South East Europe. The assessment evaluated the possibility of spread the spread of this disease, that is harmless to humans but often leads pigs and wild board to dead causing serious socio-economic consequences, among nine countries: Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Kosovo* 1 , North Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia. We concluded that the chances of the disease spreading within the area within one year of introduction were very high (66-100%). However, some countries in the region were considered to be at higher risk for spread of the disease, due to some indicators that could favour the spread of the disease, such as a relatively high pig density and proportion of small holders present. Indeed, since then we have seen new cases affecting this area, for instance in Serbia. On the contrary, the disease has been well contained after one outbreak in Greece, when it was introduced. In Montenegro, there have been no official reports of African Swine Fever so far.
In this context, the measures to control the African Swine Fever should continue to focus on the importance of early detection and preparedness. Rigorous surveillance, limiting the access of wild
board to food, the reduction of the boar numbers, campaigns to raise awareness and training of relevant actors, such as veterinary officers, are crucial to control de disease.
2. EFSA has begun a major campaign to raise awareness and help halt the spread of African swine fever in southeast Europe. What are the key target groups and key words of this initiative?
Yes, at the end of August EFSA launched a campaign to raise awareness and understanding of African Swine Fever in the nine countries in South East Europe mentioned above, including Montenegro. It is aimed at groups of people and individuals who come into contact with domestic pigs and wild boar, such as pig farmers and hunters. EFSA is also engaging with veterinary
organisations, hunting associations, farmers’ groups, customs officers, border police, local governments, tourist operators, and travellers.
As an ASF outbreak can have devastating effects, detection, prevention and reporting are essential if this disease is to be contained. These are the key words of EFSA’s campaign.
3. In order to keep Montenegro safe from this disease, what are the EFSA expectations from the stakeholders in this country?
Our recommendations to stakeholders focus on three actions:
- Inform your own network about ASF regularly by sharing campaign materials, that are available on our website: www.efsa.europa.eu/en/
StopASF#/me/ . - Increase awareness on African swine fever by sharing the comm toolkit and encouraging people to use it.
- Become a spokesperson for the campaign in your country!
