Pig farmers have been buoyed by news of a vaccine that has protected pigs from a lethal dose of the dreaded African swine fever (ASF) virus in a trial.
Pirbright Institute researchers found pigs displayed some clinical signs of the ASF virus, but all survived.
Importantly, scientists say it is possible to distinguish between pigs that are vaccinated or infected.
UK chief veterinary office Christine Middlemiss said: “This is a very encouraging breakthrough and it means we are one step closer to safeguarding the health of our pigs and the wider industry’s role in global food supply from African swine fever.
“While there has never been an outbreak of African swine fever in the UK, we are not complacent and already have robust measures in place to protect against animal disease outbreaks.”
Read more
The South African Pork Producers’ Organisation (SAPPO) coordinates industry interventions and collaboratively manages risks in the value chain to enable the sustainability and profitability of pork producers in South Africa.
