August 9, 2022:

The Belize Agricultural Health Authority Animal Health Department, along with the Cayo Extension Service conducted a training session on African Swine Fever for pig producers from the Cayo district.

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The main objective was to conduct public awareness targeting swine producers on African Swine Fever and Bio-Security methods. The training venue was the BAHA Conference Room, Central

Farm.

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African Swine Fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs, with a mortality rate that can reach 100%. It is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects on pig populations and the farming economy. There is currently no effective vaccine against ASF.

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The virus is highly resistant in the environment, meaning that it can survive on clothes, boots, wheels, and other materials. It can also survive in various pork products, such as ham, sausages, or bacon. Therefore, human behavior can play an important role in spreading this pig disease across borders if adequate measures are not taken.