The Fourth Meeting of the Standing Group of Experts (SGE) on African Swine Fever (ASF) of the GF-TADs for Africa is taking place from October 15 to 17, 2024, focusing on ASF outbreak management. The meeting aims to address critical challenges in managing ASF outbreaks through collaborative efforts and knowledge sharing among member countries. The agenda will provide a comprehensive overview of the current disease situation, governance aspects, and innovative strategies for effective outbreak management. Participants include representatives from the African Union - IBAR, the Vice-President of GF-TADs, FAO-RAF, Dr. Mohammed Shamsuddin, the Secretary of GF-TADs for Africa, WOAH RRAF, Dr. Karim Tounkara, the Vice-President of GF-TAD, Dr. Roland Xolani Dlamini, representatives from the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) including ECOWAS, COMESA, SADC, ECCAS, IGAD/ICPALD, as well as representatives from member states and international institutions.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by key officials from the African Union - IBAR, FAO, and WOAH. In her opening address, Dr. Huyam Salih, AU-IBAR Director, noted that ASF poses a significant threat to food security, economic stability, and rural development in Sub-Saharan Africa due to its devastating impact on pig populations, farmers, and communities. The challenges include the nature of the disease, limited veterinary infrastructure, weak surveillance systems, traditional pig farming practices, cross-border trade issues, and a lack of effective commercial vaccines. The fight against ASF relies on biosecurity measures, early detection, and comprehensive disease management strategies. AU-IBAR commended the collaboration between AU Specialized Technical Offices (STOs), FAO, WOAH, and ILRI for their technical support.
The first session focused on governance aspects and regional updates, including a review of the minutes from the third SGE meeting, status updates on action points, and a presentation on the outcomes of the ASF Global Coordination Committee (GCC) for 2024. Participants also received regional updates on the current ASF disease situation based on WAHIS reporting, followed by discussions on ASF control strategies at the sub-regional level.
Dr. Hiver Boussini from AU-IBAR will present on “Modified Stamping Out During Outbreak Management.” This strategy for managing ASF outbreaks in resource-limited countries involves situation analysis, culling efforts, and strategic depopulation. Alternatives include on-site burial and composting, biosecurity measures, rapid diagnostic tools, community-based surveillance, and compensation mechanisms. The goal is to contain the disease while minimizing the socio-economic impact on farmers and ensuring practical and sustainable interventions.
The meeting will also emphasize national updates and strengthening capacities in outbreak management. Member countries will share experiences and discuss challenges related to early disease detection and innovations in resource-limited settings. The final day will focus on capacity-building efforts, including financial incentives for farmers, effective surveillance, risk communication strategies, and compliance with outbreak management policies. The meeting will conclude with group discussions on action items and proposed amendments to the Terms of Reference.
As highlighted in Dr. Huyam’s opening remarks, “This meeting is a crucial platform for us to share knowledge, review progress, and fine-tune efforts that will enhance our capacity to combat ASF. I am confident that with your expertise and collaboration, we can move closer to our shared goal of controlling ASF.”
This meeting is organized under the auspices of the GF-TADs for Africa, aiming to enhance cooperation and coordination in the fight Transboundary Animal Diseases in the region.
