African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most severe viral diseases affecting swine production. Some genotypes, such as genotype II, which was introduced into Georgia in 2007 and spread throughout the Caucasus and into the Russian Federation can cause high morbidities and mortalities. Unfortunately the ASF control, detection and prevention strategies in many countries in Europe is not fully effective.  Many countries lack updated knowledge and tools to assure comprehensive disease control strategies and policies as well as an effective prevention and surveillance strategy.  If not properly prevented or controlled, ASF will eventually spread within the region posing devastating economic consequences and serious trade restrictions. The early detection and response is vital for effective ASF elimination.

In line with resolutions of the of the first Veterinary Forum for South and East Europe held in Budapest in February 2011, ASF Global Alliance workshop held in Rome in September  2011 and  4th Steering Committee of the FAO/OIE Global Framework for the Progressive Control of Transboundary Animal Disease (GF-TADs) for Europe held in Brussels in January 2012 the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia will be organizing a technical meeting on ASF prevention and control in Europe. The event will take place at FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia in Budapest, Hungary, on 4-5 December 2012.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide updates on the epidemiological situation in infected countries, emergency preparedness plans of countries, present the FAO study on ASF epidemiological peculiarities and the lessons learnt disease control in Eastern Europe, foster regional cooperation of the veterinary services and relevant international organization for ASF prevention and control. In addition, the meeting will provide ample opportunity to have technical exchanges and improve communication across borders and experts and develop an ASF prevention and control action plan to collectively address this issue.