Nepal Added to African Swine Fever Affected Region by USDA

The United States Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has added the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to the list of regions considered affected by African swine fever (ASF).

"We have taken this action due to the confirmed presence of ASF in Nepal," the APHIS notice stated.

ASF is a highly contagious disease of domestic and wild pigs that can spread rapidly, with extremely high morbidity and mortality rates. Responsible for enormous losses in pig populations and drastic economic consequences, ASF has become a major crisis for the pork industry in recent years. Currently impacting several world regions, the disease is not only hindering animal health and welfare but also has detrimental effects on biodiversity and farmer livelihoods. Its mortality rate can reach 100%. While not a danger to human health, it has devastating impacts on pig populations and the agricultural economy.

The ASF virus is highly resilient in the environment, and able to survive on clothing, footwear, wheels, and other materials. It can also persist in various pork products like ham, sausages, or bacon. Therefore, human behaviors can play a significant role in spreading this pig disease across borders if proper precautions are not taken.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federal executive department charged with developing and enforcing federal laws pertaining to agriculture, forestry, rural economic development, and food. It aims to meet the needs of commercial farming and livestock production, promote agricultural trade and output, ensure food safety, protect natural resources, support rural communities, and work to end hunger domestically and internationally.