The Lom� Regional Technical Workshop on ASF
Visit to Ogun State (Abeokuta)
Visit to Ekiti State (Ado Ekiti)
Visit to Edo State (Benin City)
Debriefing meeting in the FAO Representation
Meeting with the Federal Director of the Livestock Services
Constraints and general considerations on ASF control
ISSUES TO BE INVESTIGATED, CLEARED AND ASSESSED
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Animal Health Service, FAO Headquarters, and in collaboration with other Consultants and the Federal and State Veterinary Services, the incumbent will :
1. Support the control and eradication programme in close collaboration with the federal and state authorities.
2. Plan and execute the training programme in ASF recognition, control and eradication.
3. Establish a reporting system operating at village level on the presence or absence of ASF in the States at high risk in Nigeria.
4. Plan and implement the use of the communication systems to increase levels of awareness of the ASF problem to pig owners.
5. Support the achievement of the objectives of the TCP by promoting the activities in every possible way.
6. Promote the establishment of the EMPRES principles of early warning and early reaction capability in dealing with ASF and other transboundary epidemic diseases.
7. Perform any other duties as required.
In this first mission the terms of reference that have been partially or totally achieved are the items 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
African Swine Fever (ASF) has been endemically present in Nigeria, for the last 25 years. In 1973, an outbreak was reported in two commercial piggeries in Ogun State. Since this time the disease which was probably present was not reported until last September1997. The recent appearance of ASF, in the neighbouring Republic of Benin represented an important threat for Nigeria and is possible that the infection reported recently was brought in from Benin.
From the moment ASF appeared in Cameroon in 1982 and evolved to an endemic in this country, followed by the outbreak which occurred in 1996 in C�te d'Ivoire, the region became at risk. After the contamination of Benin, in early August 1997, where the first foci of ASF appeared in areas close to the Nigerian border, the probability to see the disease reach Nigeria was great.
The porosity of the border, and the huge illegal trade that results, made the disease move rapidly toward western Nigeria where an outbreak is reported in November 1998 in Lagos State. Pig meat coming from Benin was freely sold at low prices on local markets. The lagoons shared by both countries played undoubtedly a great role in this trade. The disease spread without any obstacle from these foci, and particularly the one of Badagri to the neighbouring State of Ogun. Until now, the surrounding states of Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo are considered ASF free, as no case has been reported.
The pig population in Nigeria is about 7,000,000 pigs concentrated mainly in the Middle Belt and Southern parts of the country. Small holder farms raise most of these pigs. In Nigeria, as reported by Dr Abegunde, Deputy Director, Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services and by Dr Osunfisan, Ogun State Director of Veterinary Services, in the regional technical workshop on ASF control/eradication and emergency preparedness in West Africa, held in Lom�, Togo June 3 and 4, 1998, the first reported outbreak of African Swine Fever was in 1973 at Avolconga Piggery Farm in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The outbreak devastated this farm with 100% mortality. The second outbreak reported was in September 1997; it occurred both in Ogun and Lagos States. In Lagos State, in Badagry and environs, about 3,000 pigs died and in Ogun State nearly 12,000 pigs died, so the total losses recorded were about 15,000 pigs for the two States of Ogun and Lagos. The disease has not yet been confirmed by laboratory diagnosis.
The pig losses in the infected States are important as ASF is characterised by a high rate of mortality which reach habitually 100%. Dr G. Davies, FAO consultant, reported in November, that entire village pig populations have been eliminated. The measures taken to control the disease didn't reach their goal. The fact that most of the pig population of Nigeria belongs to the village sector seems to play an essential role in the appraisal of the problem by the authorities and by the pig owners themselves.
The workshop held in Lom�, Togo from June 3 to June 4, 1998, was attended by 34 persons (out of which 7 FAO consultants) from 13 countries of the West African region. A detailed report is attached to this mission report in annex I (in French). For the GON the English version of the said report prepared by Dr.Mary-Lou penrith is also attached.
The main objectives of the mission were :
1. to sensitise the political decision makers in order to let them express their political will to control the epizootic;
2. to investigate to what extent the disease had spread from November 1997 until June 1998;
3. to evaluate the measures already taken to control the disease and prevent its spread from infected to non infected areas;
4. to help the Nigerian authorities to perform the prevention and control measures according to the terms of reference.
The mission was divided in 5 period, including 1 day briefing in Rome, 5 days in Abuja and Vom, 6 days for the Lom� Workshop, 5 days in the states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo, 1 day in Abuja and 1 day debriefing in Rome. The mission in Nigeria started with the visit to the FAOR and the Federal Directorate of Livestock for the elaboration of a tentative schedule, followed by the visit to the central veterinary laboratory (National Veterinary Research Institute: NVRI) of Vom, Plateau state, north of the Federal Capital of Abuja.
Meeting with Dr Obi Onunkwo, Deputy Director of the NVRI and Dr J.C. Ononiwu, in charge of the poultry diseases diagnostic; none of them knew about the recent ASF outbreaks. Also the ASF Unit/Laboratory has not been informed/involved.The consultant visited the bacteriology and histopathology units but did not succeed in visiting the rabies unit for biological security purposes. The Central Laboratory has not the equipment to perform Immuno-Fluorescence or ELISA; for ASF . The details will have to be assessed by the laboratory consultant.
On the journey to Abeokuta (Ogun State), the Consultant was accompanied by Dr Isaac Nwakanobi, from the Federal Livestock Department in Abuja (the team will be next called: the Mission). The basic background information can be summarized as follows :
In Nigeria. there are 3 administrative structures: Federal, State and Local Government.
The resources sent by the Federal services to the State services are under the control of the Federal Office (FO) of every State.
In every Federal State Office, in addition to the State Veterinary Services there is at least one veterinarian (Animal Health Officer) and eventually another in charge of Veterinary Public Health.
Communication between Federal and State Veterinary Services, were once made by radio. The radio sets are presently useless for problems of maintenance and communication by phone is costly. A system of reporting once every three months is presently implemented and the Federal and State CVO's meet once a year not necessarily in Abuja (the last meeting was held 5 years ago).
The control of major epizootics is funded by the Federal Government; the State funds the day to day routine diseases control (the work is done by both federal and state veterinarians). The meat inspection, veterinary public health and market are financially supported by the Local Government. The funding seems to be the major problem for the control of animal diseases; all the responsible people we met with, were complaining about that and, having seen the present state of the facilities I visited (offices and laboratories) one can understand that they are not exagerating.
In case of compulsory "free of charge" campaign, all the vets participate under the co-ordination of the Federal State Office (FO); all the instructions come from the federal authorities through the FO.
Veterinary Services employ also animal health technologists/superintendents.The proportion is of 1 veterinarian for 2 technologists.
There are no veterinary nor livestock specific structures represented at village level.
There are enough of competent staff, but there are no means to let them do the appropriate job. The means of transport are mainly motorbike or bicycle; the Federal Governement provides cars for the FO.
The Animal Health Division budget for 1998 is nearly 21 millions naira (24,000 US$).
The number of Nigerians veterinarians is around 3.500, most of them are civil servants; 10% are private practitioners; some are doing other job and many are jobless.
There is no close relationship between private and civil servant veterinarians. The private veterinarians interact more with the stakeholders (routine work, sale of drugs..), but they rarely report to the Veterinary Services.
The education and training are carried out by five veterinary faculties which graduates around 300 vets every year (Ibadan is the oldest one, then comes N'sukka, Zaria, Maiduguri and Sokoto).
From the document handed over to the Mission by Dr. Osunfisan, Director of Veterinary Services, Abeokuta, Ogun State, it appears that the first incidence of suspected outbreak of ASF occured in late September 1997, at Ipokia Local Government area (Tube, Ipokia, Agosasa and Idiroko). The disease further spread north along the Benin border to Yewa South areas of Idogo, Olokuta and environs in early December 1997. By late January 1998, cases of ASF outbreak were also reported in Yewa North and towns of Tata and Tobolo. In the Local Government areas of Ipokia, Yewa South and Yewa North, 11,083 pigs died out of a total of 11,415 pigs (97,8% mortality). In Yewa South and North, 159 pig owners have been affected by the losses, most of them possessing 5 to 15 pigs. The early recognition of the outbreak facilitated restriction of movement both on interstate and international borders. The control measures taken by the Ogun State Veterinary Services are as follows :
Official ban on buying live pigs or pork from the infected areas.
Disposal of dead pig carcasses by burying.
Restriction of movement of pigs from infected areas to markets and other areas of the State that are free from the disease.
Meeting with Dr C.O.Osunfisan, Director of Ogun State Veterinary Services, who afterward arranged an immediate meeting with Mrs Olabisi Aboaba the Commissioner (Minister) for Agriculture in Ogun state, and Mr Kola Olaniran, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture of Ogun state. Dr Osunfisan and the Mission to discuss exposed the ASF problem and the different ways and methods to control the disease. The Commissioner is aware that if there is no compensation, there is no need to spend time trying to control the disease if the pig owners will not co-operate. She also agreed with me that education and public information/awareness is the best thing to start with. She promised to intervene with the Federal and State Governments, so priority is given towards this problem in funding the control activities.
After the meeting with the Commissioner, an important meeting was held in the office of the Director of Veterinary Services and his staff. This meeting was also attended by: Dr Akin Owanikin, from the Federal Livestock Department, Imeko Veterinary Quarantine Station; Dr Gbolabo Oyede, Deputy Director; Dr A. Toyeteju, Animal Health Officer, Federal Department of Livestock and Pest Control Services, Abeokuta; Mr M. Adesemowo, Chief Animal Health Technologist, Veterinary Department Abeokuta; Dr (Mrs) F.A. Ogun, Deputy Director, Poultry Diagnostic Unit, Veterinary Department, Abeokuta; Dr A.O. Soremekun, Deputy Director, Veterinary Public Health Preventive Medicine Division; Dr V.B. Adenaike, Deputy Director, Clinical Services (small animals); Dr Dotun Sorumbe Principal Veterinary Officer, Veterinary Department, Odeda; Dr E.O. Ajibole, Assistant of the Veterinary Services, Yewa Zone, Ilaru; Dr (Miss) Modupe Isikalu, Deputy Director, Egba zone, Abeokuta; Mr B.O. Avri, Chief Livestock Division Officer, Federal Department of Livestock, Abeokota; Dr U.J. Ibanga, Principal Veterinary Officer, Federal Deptartment of Livestock, Abeokuta; Dr Graig Olumuyiwa Olufunso. Dr Osunfisan expressed that ASF spread like "savannah fire" through the village pig herds despite the quick response of the Veterinary Services. The owners slaughtered the sick pigs for consumption and continued doing so once they found out compensation wouldn't be paid.
First foci have been reported in Badagry, in Lagos State as the infected localities (Ipoki, Idi-Iroko, Oke-Odan, Idogo, Oja-Odan) are located in front of Badagri in Lagos State. ASF spread through the lagoon by canoe, and then headed north along the Benin border. Ogun State Veterinary Services informed that ASF didn't spread eastward from Lagos to Ibadan because of the multiple police check points on that highway. The line of public education that have been adopted is to keeps pigs in fenced areas and stops the movements. The people of the area helped the Veterinary Services sell the sick pigs since no compensation was foreseen.
Most of the participants complained about the lack of financial reasources and technical means ; they suggested that at least, FAO can help them fix their radios in so they can communicate. There is no specific pig breeders association in Ogun state .
The Mission visited some facilities supervised by the Veterinary Services (laboratories, clinics, piggery, poultry houses). On our way to Ibadan, The Mission stopped at the Sowo village. Afterwards the Mission visited the University of Ibadan, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, meeting the Dean, Prof. R.O.A.Arowolo. The Vet. Faculty of Ibadan is the oldest and best established Vet.School in Nigeria. It was created in 1963 and composed of 7 departments and 3 units. The staff consists of 70 university teachers and many animal health technologists/superintendents.
The Faculty also has post-graduate studies (Master and PhD). The research activity is focused on numerous tropical diseases; only 2 or 3 people are conducting research on swine diseases. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine serves also as a diagnostic centre for the Government, the farmers and research. There is a possibility to install the ASF diagnostic unit in this faculty because of the qualified staff, availability of laboratory equipment and the convenient geographic location.
Meeting with Dr Yekini Adekola Adekoumbi, newly nominated Director of the Livestock Services, Ibadan, Oyo State. The Director had been informed about the ASF threat. However he assured the Mission that Oyo State is still ASF free. There is a good network of veterinary professionals. They meet monthly.The very recent meeting did not report any ASF case. The veterinary staff is fully aware of the disease,and monitor all the areas with high pig density. Three of Local Governments (LG) are shared by both Ogun State and Oyo State. They never reported any case of ASF. There is also a big farm raising thousands of pigs close to the town of Eruwa, bordering Ogun State. No ASF has been reported. Generally, most of pigs belong to small holders. There are no pig markets in the State. The commercial movement of pigs toward Lagos absorbs most of the pig production of Oyo State. The pig movement/transport are controlled and the police is informed accordingly. The Veterinary Services are represented at village level by animal health technologists/superintendents. There is an old laboratory and the just built new one which is not yet equipped. The laboratory diagnosis can easily be done by the Laboratory of the Veterinary Faculty , University of Ibadan (UI).
The Mission also met Chief (Mrs) Fajola, acting Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Agriculture) Ibadan, Oyo State. Mrs Fajola was already informed about the ASF epizootic; nevertheless, the Consultant briefed her on the current situation in Nigeria and in the other countries of the region (West Africa) and stressed on the danger represented by the ASF foci reported late 1997 in Ogun and Lagos States.
Mrs Fajola was advised to help the State Veterinary Services to start a public information/awareness campaign .
The Mission visited the Federal Livestock Office in Oyo State and met with Dr (Mrs) D.A. Ajiboye, Animal Health Officer, Ibadan, Oyo State and Mr E Ade King, Principal Livestock Development Officer. Dr Ajiboye knew about the current ASF situation, she agreed that an information/awareness campaign is the first and the most urgent thing to be arranged and promised to follow up the activity of the Veterinary Services on the subject.
Meeting with Dr H.A. Ajibade, Director of the Livestock Services, Osogbo, Osun State and Dr O.A Akambi, State Officer, Epidemiologist. They received the letter of introduction sent by the Federal Services announcing the Mission's visit, and had been informed by the Federal Services about ASF. The southern area of Osun State, is endangered, as it borders with Ogun State. The border area consists of wild forest populated by wild pigs and whorthogs, with very few villages.
The Mission explained that the Directorate of Livestock Services cannot rely on the reporting of the disease by the pig owners as they don't interact with the Veterinary Services and consider pigs as backyard animals which have to find their own feed and don't cost a dime to raise. The Mission suggested that the clinics should be settled in every LG and that necessary investigations in the villages areas made in order to evaluate the recent epidemics of swine diseases with high mortality. The results should be reported monthly to the Federal Veterinary Services.
Osun State Livestock Services employ 20 vets and nearly 100 animal health technologists/superintendents.
Visit to the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture. The Mission briefed the Permanent Secretary on the situation both in the West African countries and in Nigeria. The strategy of prevention based on an information/awareness campaign, the restriction on pig movement, keeping village pigs in fenced areas (in order to avoid contacts with ASF infected pigs ). If ASF is identified, the Authorities should convey to the public the following message: "eat your pigs before the disease kill them as it kills at a 100% rate". The Permanent Secretary assured his continuing support to the Livestock Services when necessary.
Meeting with Dr K.B. Shaba, Director of the Veterinary and Livestock Services and Dr. O. Awani, Deputy Director. They received the letter announcing the Mission. The staff is capable to report on any clinical/epidemiological suspicion of ASF. So far no ASF has been reported. The field veterinary staff is very scarse and is lacking of vehicles and other logistic support. Pigs are mainly owned by small holders. Only few better organized piggeries exist. The Mission recommended soonest launching of the public information/awareness campaign. The Director stress the related financial requirements in order to pay the mass media and funding is necessary, to pay the media and to prepare the information material. In Ondo State, pigs are indispensable for ritual and tribal ceremonies. The Director and his Deputy also suggested that, considering the poor conditions of the Veterinary Services, the possible FAO assistance should be directed cover not only the ASF emergency but all priority veterinary activities. At the State level an additional personnel to run the ASF surveillance and prevention activities will be required. It has been underlined that at present there are only 5 vets and 23 animal health technologists/superintendents working in 5 clinics and 10 sub clinics of the Ondo State Veterinary and Livestock Services. Six veterinarians run their own private practices
The present regulations oblige the farmers and the private veterinarians to report any case of animal disease but no report indicating suspicion of ASF has been received. According to Dr N'wakanobi, the Ondo State Veterinary Services are those who report regularly.
The Mission met the Permanent Secretary to discuss the preventive measures related to ASF to by appled by Veterinary Services with a special emphasis on field investigation and surveillance.
The Mission met with, Dr A.A. Adeyeye, Director of Veterinary Services and Dr S.O. Aya, Deputy Director. They received the letter announcing the Mission, and the letter sent by the Federal Veterinary Services informing about the ASF outbreak. All the veterinary staff is in state of alert. The State Government was informed and promised to report to the Federal Vet Services on further developments. happens.
Ekiti State has a staff of 15 vets and 18 animlal health technologists/superintendents and 2 private vets. The pig population is around 14.000
Meeting with Chief M.A. Adeyemo, Ekiti State Permanent Secretary of Agriculture. He promised to launch an information awareness campaign at village level and identify some funds for this purpose.
Meeting with Dr R.E. Airhienbuwa, Director of Veterinary Services and Dr J.E. Akhigbe, Assistant Director. They have not received the letter announcing the Mission but they they were aware about the ASF outbreak in Lagos State 1997. Unfortunately this information did not come from the Federal Veterinary Services.
ASF has not been reported in the State. Most of the pigs are owned by small holders.
Few modern piggeries were established. The State has not enough pigs for the local consumption. An important trade of pigs is observed from the surrounding State to Edo State, creating the potential danger of introduction of infected pigs is greater than in the other States.
The Mission met Meeting the Permanent Secretary of Agriculture, who was fully aware of the current ASF situation and promised to help in an effective investigation, surveillance and pig movement/transport control.
The Consultant reported to the FAOR the results of the Mission's visits to the six States surrounding the infected States of Lagos and Ogun and presented an aide-memoire, summarising the recommendations and the issues to be cleared (annex II). Ithas been suggested that :
Some lines the budget should be clarified, such as the motorbikes; the FAOR proposed to buy motor bikes of 100 cc better than those of 60 cc which aren't strong enough for the roads and tracks of Nigeria. Also, the 100 cc motor bikes are produced locally and could be purchased locally for the same price than the ones purchased tax free abroad; the purchase from abroad will take at least three months and the clearing in the port of Lagos will be costly. Additionally the cost of transport from Lagos to their final location should be considered. The 100 cc motorbikes are very popular in Nigeria and their maintenance is easier.
Part of the item "supplies and material", will cover the purchase of laboratory materials.
The next ASF International Consultancy should be planned for early October 1988 in order to let the Nigerian Veterinary Services start to implement the ASF control strategy and buy the equipment. This second consultancy should be co-ordinated with the mission of the laboratory consultant and should include the training of trainers and the follow up of the control activities in the infected and surrounding States.
The Consultant met Dr Ladan, the Director, Federal Department of Livestock Services, Dr Abegunde, Deputy Director for Animal Health and Dr N'wakanobi. The following points were stressed:
The emergency measures had been taken as soon as the ASF outbreak had been reported. Information on the situation spread immediately to the States Services
The State Services are able to identify the disease as they had to handle an outbreak on 1973, and there is no need to train them on clinical recognition of ASF
ASF reporting as well as reporting of other notified is normally done.
The State Veterinary Services have already started the public education/awareness campaign on ASF.
The trade of pigs and pig products from ASF infected to non infected areas has been prohibited.
The disease (ASF) is controlled in all infected areas.
The GON is worrying about the situation in Benin, fearing that apart from the ASF endemicity in Nigeria a recent outbreaks in Ogun and Lagos States may originated from Benin.
The Meeting of all the State Directors of Veterinary Services will be held in Abuja next week. Also the ASF Workshop on ASF will be organized. The Federal Director will deliver the message concerning the prevention and control measures.
The ASF hasn't been yet diagnostically confirmed by the FAO Reference Laboratory.
Under the present Project the Central Laboratory in Vom will be equipped and personnel trained in order to be able to be the central ASF diagnostic laboratory in Nigeria.
The discussion then spotted on the availability of the FAO funding, the details of the expenditures, the training of a laboratory personnel and the establishment of E-mail facilities. The Consultant promised that these points will be reported to the FAOR, Abudja and raised during the debriefing meetings at Rome on The 15 th of June.
Dr. Ladan received three copies of the aide-memoire prepared by the Consultant.
ASF which has been considered for long, as a disease of pigs, mostly restricted to the Eastern/Southern African countries (the traditional endemic area), is presently observed in many countries of the West African sub region (Cameroon, C�te d'Ivoire, Benin, Cape Verde, Nigeria, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and probably Sierra Leone).
There is a serious risk that the disease will install itself permanently in the acosystem of the Subregion.
ASF is a highly contagious disease, against which the only way of control is constituted by sanitary measures such as: movement restriction, road blocks, interdiction of livestock markets and of pork trade, stamping out of pigs in the infected areas, destruction and burial of the carcasses, an intensive epidemio-surveillance.
Those measures are really difficult to be implement and sustained for long periods of time, especially in countries lacking means and resources and where the contribution and the co-operation of the pig owners is difficult.
The ASF virus is resistant to inactivation. It can persist in the environment, in excretions, secretions and tissues for long period of time, thus maintaining the risk of infection at its highest level.
The implementation of the control measures necessitates important financial inputs that the countries of the sub region can hardly afford. For the funding of such operations, these countries count generally more on the contribution of the international organizations and the bilateral co-operation, than on their own national budget.
Pig industry, especially the family sector, represent the important source of income and a cheap source of animal proteins for the villages and peri-urban populations in the countries of the sub region.
Particularly the populations of the sub tropical coastal areas the pig meat represents the only reachable meat these poor populations can afford. Therefore the social and economic effects of the disease on these populations are significant.
In all the sub Saharan countries where the disease occured, the reporting of the disease has always been made too late, once the ASF had already widely spread and became difficult to control. In these countries no early warning system was in place that permitted an early reporting and consequently an early reaction.
The rapid growth of the pig population in the south parts of the sub equatorial countries of Africa represented an ideal field for the quick spread of ASF.
This growth had been registered, in the last decade, in both smallholder/family and commercial sectors. For example in C�te d'Ivoire the modern commercial sector t reached 120,000 pigs ( nearly the third of the whole pig population in that country), in 1996, before the ASF outbreak. In Benin the entire pig population nearly doubled in the last decade.
This growth increased dramatically the pig population density thus contributing to the fast propagation of the disease. It seems that the disease acts like a regulatory phenomenon which reduces the pig population density to a "normal" level which contribute to limit the spread of the disease and stabilise it.
There is a potentian danger that the restocking which will aim at re-establishing the former pig population could contribute to gather the conditions for a new outbreak.
In the contaminated countries of West Africa is has been revealed that none of them (except C�te d'Ivoire through its widely represented ANADER extension services) had the necessary capabilities to conduct an epidemiological investigation in order to know precisely the extension of the disease and map the infected areas.
In these countries, there isn't also the necessary capabilities to conduct ASF laboratory diagnosis and to back up an epidemio-surveillance programme.
Free ranging method of pig breeding plays an important role in the spread of the disease as it have been the case in B�nin due to the high density of the pig population and the closeness of the villages the one to the other. The Mission noticed that the villages where pigs were kept in fenced areas or in piggeries were not reporting ASF even in the infected States. Free ranging isn't the only nor the most important factor of spreading the infection but its role inside the village and between neighbouring villages have been essential.
Man have been and is, without any doubt, the main vector of the ASF virus: pig owners, consumers, traders and butcher greatly contributed to propagate the infection.
Some of the pig owners made all they could do to try, first to escape the disease, then to avoid compulsory slaughter, selling out sick and infected pigs or transferring pigs from infected to non infected areas. Consumers attracted by the low prices bought pigs or pig meat from infected areas and transported them to other areas for family meetings or ritual ceremonies. Butchers and traders also attracted by the low prices did the same and sold the infected pigs and meat all over the country. These behaviours could explain the presence of foci very far from the initial ones.
The compulsory slaughter, in the case of epizootic, is very difficult to execute; the notion of prophylactic slaughter for the control of a disease isn't understood nor accepted by the stakeholders; their first reaction is to refuse the slaughter when no compensation is provided.
The stamping out which is successfully applied in many of developed countries has its limits in developing countries (lack of funds for compensation). The Consultant is of the opinion that the efficacy of stamping-uot should be carefully assessed regarding its efficacy for developing countries. The flexible approach is required. If the sanitary slaughtering is not approved and rejected by the pig owners it may contribute to a more rapid dissemination of the disease by illegal transfer of pigs and the trade of sick animals.
It would be more effective to achieve good cooperation of pig owners through their information/sensitization, the appropriate movement controls and the prohibition of transport and trade of pigs and pig products.
Once the disease spread is stabilized, the compulsory slaughter, with compensation, must be carried out on residual (remaining) pigs.
The classical sanitary slaughter should only be carried out in the first stage of the infection when the infected area is still reduced and the number of pigs to kill very small, permitting the government to face the expenses for the compensation.
The prohibition measures, such as movement restriction/prohibition of pigs and pig products, are difficult to implement; The C�te d'Ivoire and Benin examples demonstrates that there is no guaranty that the policeman in charge of the control is enough sensitized and motivated to do the right things.
The villagers reluctance to the implementation of the control measures is motivated by other considerations as:
The fact that the pig population plays in the village a capital role in the cleaning of the village area from human leftovers.
The fact that pigs are a good source of income for the family.
The fact that villagers doesn't understand that after having lost most of their pigs they are asked to kill the remaining ones on which they counted for the restocking.
The fact that pigs have an important social factor as they are slaughtered in case of family or ritual/traditional ceremonies.
For the villagers there is always the hope that the disease will stop by itself and that part of the pigs will escape death as they know that there is no disease which kills all the pigs.
The following recommendations concern mainly the weak points that have been identified and the preventing measures:
Communication : To provide to the Veterinary Services all means of communication as it has been noticed that none of them had the telephone or fax or any other mean of communication. The radio sets once they used are all out of order and necessitate repair and maintenance.
Reporting : This point is tightly linked with the precedent one. It is highly recommended that the field operators (veterinarians and animal health technologists/superintendents) will report periodically the zoo-sanitary events they notice and every time they feel that something abnormal is happening.
Special instructions should be directed to the State Veterinary Services on that matter. According to the Federal Services, the veterinarians report monthly to the State Directoraten and the Federal Offices report quarterly to the Federal Services in Abuja; the field technologists report if necessary and the pig owners never report.
The pig owners should be approached by the field veterinary staff in order to obtain their commitment in the diseases control, so they can inform them in case of abnormality.
Information : According to the Veterinary Services, the information has been spread to the veterinary staff, and to the administrative responsible but none of the public nor the other agents of the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources or the pig owners had been informed. It is recommended to perform a public information campaign through the media, in English and local languages, taking care of the content of the messages directed to the Public, avoiding misunderstanding and possible panic. Papers, leaflets or booklets on ASF epidemiology, pathogenesis and control should be prepared and distributed to the veterinary staff, and training sessions on clinical and post mortem recognition should be organised. Less elaborated leaflets and posters should be printed for distribution to the villagers, pig breeders and to other concerned people and displayed in public places.
Awareness : The awareness of pig owners should be raised, holding village level meetings. Civil administrative authorities should also be put in state of alert by a periodical epidemiological information. An early warning system should be implemented in every State and at the Federal level.
According to the Veterinary Services, all the veterinary staff are in alert but nothing have been done on the field for the villagers.
Investigation : As no programme of investigation at the Local Governments and villages levels has been implemented, it is recommended that epidemiological investigation should be carried out by the field veterinary staff and extension personnel, in the villages of the areas bordering the infected states, asking a single question: "have you noticed any massive mortality on the pig population?".
Preventing measures : In addition to what has been said before, it is recommended that, in the infected states, pigs and pig products movement should be prohibited and that the pigs should be kept in fens. For the surrounding states it is recommended to restrict the movement and trade of pigs and pig products coming from the infected states.
Conclusion
Although African Swine Fever has not yet been reported out of the two formerly infected states of Lagos and Ogun, there are serious fears that the disease can reach the neighbouring states where the ASF emergency preparedness/surveillance has not been fully applied. The immediate emergency action on the subject by the States Veterinary Services is required.
The Nigerian Federal and State Veterinary Services are represented in all the states and veterinary staff can be found at least at the level of Local Governments, covering most of the national territory. Well trained and well equipped, they could face the epizootics, report, inform and carry out any control measure. The most important constraint is the lack of funds for compensation.
L'atelier technique r�gional sur la contention et la lutte contre la Peste Porcine Africaine a �t�, organis� conjointement par la Repr�sentation de la FAO � Lom� et par la Direction de l'Elevage du minist�re togolais de l'Agriculture de l'Elevage et de la P�che. La s�ance d'ouverture a �t� rehauss�e par la pr�sence du Repr�sentant du Ministre de l'Agriculture, de l'Elevage et de la P�che.
Dans son discours d'introduction le FAOR a notamment �voqu� l'importance de l'Elevage � cycle court, les contraintes rencontr�es par l'�levage porcin, les effets de la PPA sur l'�conomie des pays atteints (cas de la Cote d'Ivoire et du B�nin notamment) et l'indispensable coordination r�gionale pour contenir et combattre la maladie.
Le Repr�sentant du Ministre de l'Agriculture de l'Elevage et de la P�che a �voqu� quant � lui, la mise en place de dispositifs d'alerte et de r�action pr�coces, les dispositions � prendre en situation d'urgence et les mesures prises par les autorit� togolaises.
lors de la premi�re s�ance, les repr�sentants des pays participants on bross� la situation dans leurs pays respectifs; c'est ainsi que:
Le Cameroun vit avec la PPA � l'�tat end�mique depuis l'�pizootie de 1982; l'application du stamping out n'a pas �t� retenue; seuls les porcs infect�s avaient �t� abattus et les propri�taires indemnis�s un an apr�s (2,7 millions de francs cfa), les exploitations contamin�es avaient �t� mises en quarantaine et de larges p�rim�tres d'interdiction avaient �t� trac�s autour des foyers. Ces mesures bien que prises tardivement (2 mois apr�s l'identification du premier foyer) ont permis de sauver la plus grande partie de la population porcine. Malgr� la compensation, de nombreux �leveurs n'ont pas repeupl� et ont pr�f�r� se reconvertir. Un programme national de vulgarisation est d�j� en place et un programme de s�ro-surveillance sera incessamment mis en place. Les petits �levages villageois ont pratiquement disparus dans les provinces de l'Ouest et du Sud.
La discussion qui a suivi cette a tourn� autour de la d�sinfection dans les villages, de l'indemnisation des �leveurs et du co�t de la cohabitation avec la maladie.
Le Cap Vert vit avec la PPA depuis 1966 et des �pizooties se sont d�clar�es en 1980, 82, 86, 93, 95 et derni�rement en fin 97. Les op�rations de lutte/�radication sont en cours; les mesures prises concernent l'abattage des porcs malades et suspects, le contr�le aux fronti�res, les enqu�tes �pid�miologiques et la formation des �leveurs et des techniciens. Le stamping out n'est pas envisag� car 75% des exploitations �l�vent du porc qui fournit 50% de la viande consomm�e. Pour lutter contre le danger d'end�micit�, une enqu�te s�rologique sera men�e ult�rieurement; les porcs r�agissant positivement seront abattus et leurs propri�taires indemnis�s.
La Gambie annonce que des foyers de PPA ont �t� signal�s depuis juillet 1997 dans une ferme a proximit� de la Casamance. Ces foyers ont �t� provoqu�s par l'introduction de porcs provenant de cette r�gion du Sud du S�n�gal. R�cemment un nouveau foyer a �t� signal� � la fronti�re avec la Casamance. La situation dans les villages reste encore inconnue. Les mesures classiques ont �t� prises pour lutter contre l'�pizootie et un programme de vulgarisation de l'�levage des porcs en claustration a �t� d�marr�. Parmi les probl�mes qui se posent � la Gambie, figurent la porosit� des fronti�res et la pr�sence de nombreux porcs sauvages.
La discussion qui suivi tourna autour de la coordination avec le S�n�gal et la collaboration avec ce pays.
La Guin�e Bissau n'a pas encore officiellement constat� la pr�sence de la maladie qui est toutefois fortement soup�onn�e. Aucune donn�e fiable n'a pu �tre collect�e. Les dispositions prises consistent essentiellement � former les �leveurs et autres acteurs de la fili�re � la reconnaissance de la maladie et � sensibiliser la population � travers les m�dias. Un syst�me de surveillance �pid�miologique a �t� mis en place.
La discussion a port� sur les incertitudes concernant la pr�sence de la PPA alors qu'elle avait �t� confirm�e avant l'ind�pendance et constat�e r�cemment � trois reprises par les experts de la FAO.
Le S�n�gal conna�t la PPA sous sa forme end�mique; Les rescap�s des foyers anciens sont la principale source de contamination. Le probl�me de diagnostic clinique sur le terrain se pose, l'�pid�miologie de la maladie est mal connue et l'�levage porcin mal encadr�. Des foyers ont �t� constat�s, principalement en Casamance, ces trois derni�res ann�es, et confirm�s par le laboratoire de Dakar. La politique de lutte contre la PPA repose sur: la formation du personnel technique et des �leveurs, l'implication des �leveurs dans le syst�me d'information/communication zoo-santaire, la promotion de l'�levage en claustration et la cr�ation d'un fonds d'indemnisation. Il n'y a pas encore de plan d'intervention d'urgence dans le cas de la PPA mais, dans le dispositif de surveillance de la Peste Bovine et des maladies aviaires, les maladies du porcs pourraient trouver leur place. Une cellule d'urgence et un syst�me d'alerte pr�coce et d'intervention rapide seront mis en place.
La discussion a port� sur les possibilit�s d'intervention en Casamance et sur l'adh�sion des �leveurs aux programmes de lutte.
Le B�nin a constat� la maladie, qui s'�tait d�j� rapidement propag�e par voie lacustre, en septembre 1997. Au 13 mai 98, 60% (360.000) de la population porcine avait disparu par mortalit� due � la maladie ou par abattage sanitaire. Toutes les mesures de lutte recommand�es par la FAO ont �t� appliqu�es, mais l'absence d'indemnisation ou de compensation a compromis leur succ�s. La maladie est � pr�sent stabilis�e; il n'y a plus de foyers actifs, la saison des pluies qui a commenc� a entra�n� la claustration de la plus grande partie des porcs restants pour prot�ger les cultures. La campagne d'information/sensibilisation a �t� intense et a concern� toutes les couches de la population. Un programme d'abattage des porcs r�siduels a �t� �labor� et soumis au financement de l'Union Europ�enne; les fonds vont �tre incessamment d�bloqu�s. Un projet de texte portant cr�ation d'un fonds de lutte contre les �pizooties est � l'�tude.
La discussion a surtout port� sur le danger, pour les d�partements du Nord du B�nin jusqu'ici �pargn�s, repr�sent� par les derniers foyers signal�s dans le Nord du Togo.
Le Nigeria ne doit pas �tre class� dans les pays nouvellement infect�s car il a enregistr� des foyers de PPA en 1973 (la maladie avait d�marr� � Lagos pr�s de l'a�roport; deux importantes exploitations avaient perdu 3.000 porcs en 3 semaines; l'impact sur les porcs villageois n'a pas �t� �valu�. L'�pizootie actuelle a d�marr� � la fronti�re avec le B�nin; d'importantes mortalit�s ont �t� enregistr�es dans les villages et localit�s des Etats de Lagos et d'Ogun. Un rapport a �t� adress� au gouvernement f�d�ral et l'information a �t� communiqu�e aux Etats de la F�d�ration. La compensation n'a pas �t� discut�e et n'est pas pr�vue; la confirmation par le diagnostic de laboratoire n'a pas encore �t� faite. Si les mesures de lutte n'ont pas encore �t� mises en place c'est dans le souci de ne pas cr�er de panique qui serait contre-productive.
La discussion a port� sur l'absence d'information et de coop�ration entre pays frontaliers.
Le Togo poss�de une population de 210.000 porcins en �levage traditionnel. La PPA a �t� d�clar�e en janvier 1998; un arr�t� portant d�limitation des Zones d'Infection et des Zones d'Observation a �t� pris. Les porcs abattus (2.500) ont �t� indemnis�s � 2.000 francs cfa par t�te. La PPA est actuellement signal�e � Lom�, � Kara et � plus de 200 km au Nord de cette ville, mena�ant ainsi les pays frontaliers (Burkina Faso, Ghana et Nord B�nin).
La discussion a essentiellement port� sur les foyers r�cemment signal�s dans le Nord du Togo.
Le Burkina Faso est inquiet depuis l'�pizootie de Cote d'Ivoire en 1996; il poss�de une population de 584.000 porcs et a des fronti�res avec 6 pays. Le syst�me de contr�le aux fronti�res a �t� renforc�, la l�gislation a �t� actualis�e et communiqu�e � tous les responsables provinciaux, 150 agents op�rant aux fronti�res ont �t� recycl�s, l'importation des porcs et de leurs produits a �t� interdite, les �leveurs ont �t� largement inform�s par la radio aux heures de forte �coute et par les journaux. La pr�paration � une �ventuelle situation d'urgence a �t� concr�tis�e par la mise en place d'un r�seau de surveillance �pid�miologique bas� sur 25 points de surveillance active, sur le laboratoire central et les 4 laboratoires r�gionaux et sur la mise en place de comit�s de vigilance. Un fonds de d�veloppement de l'�levage a �t� cr�e qui pourrait servir � indemniser les �leveurs.
La discussion a port� sur les mesures d'interdiction des importations qui sont applicables � tous les pays et non aux seuls pays infect�s ainsi que sur les mouvements de porcs et de leurs produits entre le Burkina et la Cote d'Ivoire ou vit une importante colonie de burkinab�s.
La Cote d'Ivoire a enregistr� son premier foyer de PPA en avril 1996. La population porcine s'�levait � plus de 460.000 porcs; pr�s du tiers ont �t� abattus ou sont morts de PPA dont 80% de la population de porcs am�lior�s du secteur commercial. Les mesures recommand�es par l'OIE e par la FAO ont imm�diatement �tre appliqu�es. La volont� politique de lutter contre la maladie a �t� nettement affirm�e; le soutien rapide et efficace de la FAO a pu �tre obtenu. Un conseil interminist�riel a �t� constitu�, une cellule de crise mise en place et un coordonnateur nomm�; les moyens n�cessaires ont �t� d�bloqu�s et la confiance des �leveurs a pu �tre acquise par le biais des indemnisations. Des groupements de d�fense sanitaire ont �t� cr�es qui ont beaucoup aid� les services techniques � mener les actions de lutte et trois organisations d'�leveurs ont �t� consolid�es. Une enqu�te �pid�miologique de base a �t� men�e. Un programme d'information/sensibilisation de proximit� a �t� men� � bien. La lev�e d'interdiction de l'�levage a �t� effectu�e en novembre 97 et le repeuplement a d�j� commenc�; une �tude pour la relance de la fili�re porcine a �t� lanc�e et des bailleurs de fonds sensibilis�s. La formation des �leveurs est assur�e par la SIVAC. Les risques de r�introduction de la PPA n'�tant pas �cart�s, le comit� interminist�riel et la cellule de crise restent toujours op�rationnels; la vigilance est de rigueur, une caravane d'information a parcouru les villages le long de la fronti�re ghan�enne, des journ�es d'information de proximit� ont �t� organis�es, des GDS frontaliers ont �t� cr�es et la s�ro-surveillance mise ne place. Mise en place �galement d'un projet de trois ans, de ma�trise de la pathologie porcine. A ce jour aucun anticorps n'a �t� d�tect� sur les pr�l�vements r�guli�rement effectu�s.
La discussion a port� sur les repeuplements sauvages qui ont pu �tre r�prim�s gr�ce � l'aide des GDS, sur l'origine de la maladie et sur les circuits de contr�le des abattages.
Le Ghana essaie avec succ�s d'�viter depuis trois ans la PPA. L'�levage porcin (430.000 porcs dont 130.000 dans le secteur moderne) repr�sente 15% des viandes produites dans le pays. La fronti�re avec le Togo abrite 40% de la population porcine. Tous les agents du minist�re de l'Agriculture sont impliqu�s dans la collecte et la remont�e de l'information. Parmi les mesures prises figurent notamment: la formation des techniciens et des �leveurs, une large campagne d'information/sensibilisation et la mise en place d'�quipes de surveillance qui m�nent une enqu�te �pid�miologique dans les trois r�gions du pays.
LaGuin�e, ne poss�de que 44.000 porcs localis�s dans la r�gion foresti�re; de nombreux porcs sauvages sont par contre remarqu�s. Les dispositions prises face � la menace de PPA, sont celles adopt�es par le Burkina Faso. Les �leveurs ont �t� structur�s en groupements et f�d�ration; un comit� d'alerte et de vigilance a �t� mis en place et les pr�l�vements envoy�s � l'INIA se sont r�v�l�s n�gatifs; du personnel de laboratoire a �t� form� � Madrid et les importations ont �t� interdites.
Le Liberia ne signale pas la maladie mais le danger existe. Apr�s 7 ans de guerre, la population porcine (300.000 avant guerre), n'a pas encore �t� reconstitu�e (l'accroissement actuel est toutefois rapide et le nombre de porcs est estim� � 150.000) ; en outre il n'y aurait que 2 v�t�rinaires dont un au laboratoire et l'autre sur le terrain. Des programmes de d�veloppement de l'�levage des animaux � cycle court est � l'�tude. La r�activation des services v�t�rinaire est n�cessaire.
La collecte des statistiques sur les populations porcines dans les pays respectifs des participants nous a permis de dresser le tableau suivant:
| PAYS | NOMBRE PORCS AVANT PPA | NOMBRE PORCS APRES PPA | OBSERVATIONS |
| Cap Vert | 70.000 | ? | L+A; recensement en cours |
| Burkina Faso | 584.000 | 584.000 | L+A; pas de PPA |
| Cameroun | 2.000.000 | 1.000.000 | |
| S�n�gal | (?)191.000 | 191.000 | |
| Ghana | 430.000 | 430.000 | L+A; pas de PPA; 130.000 A |
| B�nin | 623.000 | 260.000 | L+A; 15.000 A |
| Liberia | 150.000 | 150.000 | L+A; pas de PPA; 75.000 A |
| Togo | 210.000 | 207.500 | L+A; 3.500 A |
| Cote d'Ivoire | 464.000 | 329.000 | L+A; 120.000 A |
| Guin�e Bissau | 25.000 | 25.000 | L; pas de PPA |
| Guin�e | 45.000 | 45.000 | L+A; pas de PPA; 5.000 A |
| Gambie | 65.000 | 65.000 | |
| Nigeria | 7.000.000 | 7.084.000 | L+A; 700.000 A |
| TOTAL | 11.836.000 |
La table ronde qui a suivi a permis de discuter des sources d'infection et des mouvements de la maladie. Parmi les sources �voqu�es il convient de mentionner: l'utilisation des eaux grasses dans l'alimentation des porcs, l'ingestion d'aliment contamin�s, l'utilisation commune de mat�riel, le m�lange des sacs chez le fournisseur d'aliments, Les porcs r�siduels, la viande et les produits infect�s. L'eau courante ne constituerait pas une source probable d'infection car la charge virale pour provoquer la maladie est importante et ne se retrouve pas dans l'eau o� elle se dilue. En outre, le cycle selvatique est tr�s peu probable du fait de l'absence d'Ornithodoros moubata. La discussion a �galement port� sur la caract�risation des souches, la FAO se proposant d'isoler une vingtaine de souches.
En ce qui concerne les mouvements de la maladie, il a �t� convenu que l'homme est le principal responsable de ces mouvements, par le commerce informel, la culture populaire traditionnelle, une l�gislation contraignante poussant � la fraude, les r�fugi�s migrant dans les pays plus ou moins lointains, avec leurs animaux. Il ressort des d�bats que le m�lange d'une forte densit� et d'un mode d'�levage extensif divaguant, constitue la condition id�ale de propagation de la PPA.
Les expos�s des consultants ont tous �t� suivis avec int�r�t par les participants qui ont anim� la discussion. En mati�re de plans d'intervention d'urgence, le probl�me qui se pose � tous est le manque de ressources humaines et celui de la remont�e de l'information. Certains pays comme le Ghana, la Guin�e et le Burkina Faso ont pu mettre en place des �quipes responsables de la gestion des situations d'urgence et des postes de surveillance �pid�miologique � l'int�rieur et aux fronti�res.
En mati�re de repeuplement, l'op�ration doit int�resser aussi bien le secteur moderne que le secteur traditionnel; le porc de race locale ne doit pas �tre n�glig� car son prix impose le prix du march� vu son importance dans l'approvisionnement des march�s; en outre avec des aliments tr�s pauvres, le taux de conversion du porc local est meilleur que celui des porcs am�lior�s, le kg de porc local revenant trois fois moins cher.
Pour le repeuplement du secteur moderne il convient d'�viter l'importation de porcs hybrides qui cr�ent une nouvelle d�pendance de l'�tranger et d'adopter le croisement d'absorption en F1 ou F2 par la technique de l'Ins�mination artificielle.
Le repeuplement en porcs locaux pourrait se faire dans le cadre de projets de d�veloppement agissant sur l'habitat, l'alimentation et l'am�lioration g�n�tique.
La derni�re s�ance a �t� consacr�e aux recommandations
en conclusion, il convient de constater que l'atelier technique r�gional sur la contention et la lutte contre la PPA a port� ses fruits; les exp�riences des pays anciennement ou r�cemment infect�s ont �t� expos�es et discut�es. L'importance de la production porcine dans l'�conomie de la r�gion, dans l'�pargne familiale et dans la s�curit� alimentaire des populations a �t� soulign�e
Les contraintes auxquelles se heurtent les services v�t�rinaires ont �t� identifi�es; il s'agit principalement des syst�mes d'information/communication trop lents et de l'absence de dispositifs d'alerte et de r�action rapides qui ne permettent pas de devancer la maladie. Les foyers sont en effet d�couverts trop tardivement et d�clar�s encore plus tardivement. Il s'agit �galement du manque d'adh�sion des �leveurs et des autres acteurs de la fili�re et de leur manque d'information et de formation. Il s'agit aussi de l'absence de compensation/indemnisation qui pourrait motiver les �leveurs et les amener � coop�rer avec les services techniques. L'exemple des campagnes d'information/sensibilisation men�es en Cote d'Ivoire et au B�nin est � �tudier
L'importance de l'affirmation de la volont� politique au plus haut �chelon et la mise en place de dispositifs d'urgence op�rationnels ont �galement �t� soulign�s.
La formation aux techniques de diagnostic de la PPA et la mise en place de cellules de diagnostic �quip�es et disposant des r�actifs n�cessaires constitue �galement un �l�ment indispensable � la lutte contre la PPA.
Apr�s de longs �changes de vue sur les strat�gies, les m�thodes et les moyens � mettre en oeuvre pour pr�venir et/ou �radiquer la peste porcine africaine en Afrique de l'Ouest, les participants proposent aux autorit�s des pays concern�s :
1.1. que des syst�mes nationaux de surveillance �pid�miologique (SNSE) soient rapidement mis en place afin de collecter et analyser les informations obtenues aupr�s de tous les acteurs des fili�res de production animale ;
1.2. que des syst�mes d'information et de communication ainsi que des programmes de formation pour les �leveurs et les techniciens soient �galement instaur�s afin d'obtenir leur adh�sion, condition sine qua non de succ�s ;
1.3. que toutes les mesures soient mises en place visant � l'�mergence d'organisations professionnelles (�leveurs, bouchers, charcutiers, ...) dont l'efficacit� a �t� prouv�e tant en C�te d'Ivoire qu'au B�nin ;
1.4. que les capacit�s de diagnostic des laboratoires centraux soient am�lior�es afin qu'ils soient en mesure de r�aliser au minimum les techniques d'immuno-florescence directe et d'Elisa. De plus, les �changes et collaborations entre les laboratoires africains doivent �tre renforc�s
1.8. que les contr�les aux fronti�res soient intensifi�s en s'appuyant, plus sp�cialement, sur les groupements de d�fense sanitaire (GDS) et les organisations professionnelles ;
1.8. que des relations directes et r�guli�res soient instaur�es entre les services charg�s de la sant� animale des pays voisins pour favoriser les �changes rapides d'information sur la situation de la PPA dans les pays ;
1.8. qu'un syst�me d'indemnisation des �leveurs lors d'abattage syst�matique soit envisag� ; cette indemnisation constituant un facteur essentiel du succ�s des mesures de lutte ;
1.8. que des recherches soient entreprises :
- en ce qui concerne le virus, il importe de r�aliser une caract�risation mol�culaire des souches Ouest-africaine collect�es au cours des derni�res ann�es et de mener une �tude comparative pour �tablir les relations et d�terminer l'origine.
- en ce qui concerne l'�pid�miologie, de nombreux th�mes sont envisageables notamment l'�tude de la distribution exacte de la tique ornithodoros erraticus et ornithodorus moubata et le r�le de la faune sauvage (phacoch�re, potamoch�re, ...) ;
1.9. que le repeuplement soit bas� sur la mise en oeuvre de croisements d'absorption de truies locales am�lior�es � l'aide d'ins�mination artificielle avec du sperme liquide de verrats test�s (Large white et Land race). Des porcelets ayant diff�rents niveaux d'absorption seront produits selon le niveau de technicit� des porcheries � repeupler.
1.1. qu'une politique d'am�lioration des syst�mes d'�levage traditionnels (d'un syst�me en divagation vers une production en claustration) soit mise en oeuvre avec possibilit� de micro-cr�dits pour les �leveurs afin de r�aliser les investissements n�cessaires ;
1.2. que soit favoris�e la cr�ation d'organisations professionnelles d'�leveurs et autres op�rateurs afin de mettre en place des groupements de d�fense sanitaire (GDS) ;
1.3. que la cr�ation de fonds d'intervention d'urgence soit envisag�e (fonds de lutte contre les calamit�s, fonds interprofessionnel, ...) ;
1.4. que dans le secteur moderne, l'abattage se fasse dans des abattoirs sp�cialis�s ;
1.5. que soit instaur� un comit� interminist�riel de lutte contre les �pizooties, notamment la PPA, ayant pour but de coordonner la mise en oeuvre des mesures ;
1.6. que la proc�dure recommand�e par la FAO (Prevention and control of Transboundary animal diseases - FAO N� 133, Rome 1997) soit mise en place.
Enfin,
les participants consid�rant la situation �pid�miologique de la PPA en pleine �volution dans les pays d'Afrique de l'Ouest, sugg�rent qu'un Atelier soit organis� au d�but de l'ann�e 1999 afin de faire le bilan des TCP nationaux et r�gionaux mis en place par la FAO.
Lom� du 3 au 4 juin 1998
| NOM/NAME | TITRE/POSITION | ADRESSE | |
| P.C. LEFEVRE | FAO-Regional TCP for ASF | 27, rue Godefroy Cavoignac 75011 PARIS - pocolo @ infonic.Fr |
|
| David NYAKAHUMA | APO- EMPRES FAORAF, ACCRA, GHANA | P.O. Box 1628, Accra, Ghana E-mail : David. Nyakahuma@ field.fao.org. Fax: +233 21 233999 - Tel. +233 21 244051 |
|
| Antoine VERHULST | Professeur de Zootechnie Tropicale - INST. MSD.TROP (Anvers, Belgique) |
Fax : + 32 3 2161431 E-mail : animprod @ vet . itg . be |
|
| David MONTEIRO | Ten. Sup. da DGASP/DSP M.A. Cap Vert |
Tel : 642545 - Fax : 642543 Tel. personnelle : 62 28 94 E-mail : [email protected] |
|
| F�lix ILBOUDO | Docteur Veto/Directeur R�g. des Ressources Animales de l'Est Fada N'Gourma | DRRA de l'Est-Fada N'Gourma BURKINA FASO Tel. : 77 01 77 |
|
| Hamidou TIAM | Chef Sce Protection Sanitaire | Direction des ScesV�t�rinaires - 03 BP 7026 Ouagadougou 03 BURKINA FASO Tel. : 32 45 - 84 - Fax : 31 35 29 |
|
| Antoine TCHOUBIA | D�l�gu� provincial Elevage, p�ches et industries animales
du littoral Docteur v�t�rinaire |
Tel. : 42 11 13 (B) 42 14 59 (D) Fax : 42 64 86 BP 721 DOUALA - CAMEROUN |
|
| Jean-Claude KAPNANG ZIEMI | Dr V�t�rinaire-Charg� d'�tudes Direction des Sces v�t�rinaires | Tel. : 31 60 48 MINEPIA/YAOUNDE |
|
| Bernard FAYE | V�t�rinaire, Chef Sce R�gional de l'Elevage - Ziguinchor SENEGAL |
Tel. : (221) 991 10 68 Fax : " " |
|
| Rapha�l COLY | Chef Division Sant� Animale/ Direction Elevage - SENEGAL | 37, Av. Pasteur/Dakar - BP 67 Dakar/ SENEGAL -
Tel. : (221) 821 32 28 Fax : (221) 821 91 22 E.mail : bouna @ns.arc.sn |
|
| George G.K. NIPAH | Veterinary Epidemiologist Southern Zone GHANA |
Veterinary Services Dept. - P.O. Box M161, Accra, GHANA Tel. : (233021) 775778 E.mail [email protected] |
|
| Philip K.B. SALIA | Veterinary Epidemiologist Northern Zone |
Veterinary Services Dept. - P.O. Box 97 Tamale, GHANA Tel. : 071 22832 |
|
| Loum BADARA | Ag. Director Dept of Livestock Services, The GAMBIA |
Dept of Livestock Services, Abuko The GAMBIA - Tel. : 220 472820/47 2118 |
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| Sulayman SONKO | PVO Epidemiology and infor- mation Unit Dept of Livestock Services the GAMBIA |
Dept of Livestock Services, Abuko The GAMBIA - Tel. : 220 472820/47 2118 |
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| Kodzo AWOUME | Responsable du Laboratoire v�t�rinaire de Lom� | Division Sant� Animale - BP 354 - Lom� (TOGO) Tel. : (228) 21 28 82 - Fax : (228) 21 71 20 |
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| B. Lobi DEMBA | Chef de Division Contr�le V�t�rinaires de la Pr�fecture des Lacs | Division Sant� Animale - B.P. 354 Lom� (TOGO) Tel. : (228) 31 00 34 - Fax : 21 71 20 |
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| Moutiou DOMINGO | Chef Division Sant� Animale | B.P. 354 Lom� (TOGO) Tel. : 21 28 82 - Fax : 21 71 20 |
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| Abasse SANT'ANNA | Chef Service R�gional Elevage et P�che - Lom� |
B.P. 354 Lom� (TOGO) Tel. : 21 28 82 - Fax : 21 71 20 |
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| Konan D�nis ASSIE | S/D hygi�ne Publique Alimentaire | B.P. V 84 ABIDJAN - COTE D'IVOIRE Tel. : 21 94 50 - Fax : 21 90 85 |
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| Inoussa SANOUSSI | Coordonnateur National Projet TCP/BEN/6715 |
03 B.P. 2900 - COTONOU (BENIN) Tel. : 30 04 10/04 96 - Fax : 30 03 26 |
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| Sacca LAFIA | Charg� de la L�gislation et de la Sant�
Animale Direction de l'Elevage |
B.P. 2041 - COTONOU (BENIN) Tel. : 33 02 85 / 33 18 15 Fax : 33 17 68 |
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| Nina Horta RODRIGUES | Chef de la Division de Protection Sanitaire et de l'�pid�miologie | Direction G�n�rale de l'Elevage B.P. 26 - BISSAU 771493 Rep. GUINEE BISSAU Fax : 753756 (AIFA/PALOP) |
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| Nunes Correia APIA | Responsable laboratoire v�t�rinaire | Direction G�n�rale de l'Elevage B.P. 26 - BISSAU - Rep. GUINEE BISSAU - Tel.: 2214 93 |
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| Souleymane DIALLO | Chef Section Virologie Laboratoire Centrale V�t�rinaire diagnostic |
DNE/LCVD B.P. 559 CONAKRY Rep. GUINEE |
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| Abdoul Rahimi DIALLO | Charg� des �pizooties � la DSV, Coordonnateur National TCP lutte contre la Peste Porcine Africaine | DNE B.P. 559 CONAKRY Rep. GUINEE |
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| T.O. ABEGUNDE | Deputy Director Federal Dept. of Livestock &
Pest Control - P.M.B. 135 ABUJA, NIGERIA |
P.M.B. 135 - ABUJA, NIGERIA Tel. : 09 - 2342319/09 - 2340337 Fax : 09 - 2340336 |
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| C.O. OSUNFISAN | Director VET. DEPT. Min. of Agriculture ABEOKUTA Ogun State NIGERIA - W. Africa |
Min. of Agriculture - Veterinary Dept Ita-Eko Ibara Abeokuta Ogun State NIGERIA 039 - 240694 - 02 8101961 |
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| Monique K. N'GUESSAN | Chef Sce Sant� Animale des �levages � cycle court/ DSV | Minagra/DSV - B.P. V84 ABIDJAN (COTE D'IVOIRE) Tel. : 21 89 39 |
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| AGBOHOUN-BEUDJE | Chef Sce de peste porcine africaine | Laboratoire Central de Pathologie Animale - B.P. B.P. 206 BINGERVILLE (C. IVOIRE) | |
| Khaled EL HICHERI | Consultant FAO TCP/NIG/8812 for ASF |
9, Rue Saint Augustin - 1002 TUNIS TUNISIE |
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| Marie-Louise PENRITH | Consultant FAO TCP/CVI/8823 for ASF |
Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute Tel. : 027 12 529 9172 Fax : 027 12 529 9165 E-Mail : [email protected] P/Bag X05 ONDERSTEPOORT 010 SOUTH AFRICA |
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| D. Georges EDOUKOU | Consultant FAO TCP/TOG/8822(E) for ASF |
B.P. 480 Cidex 03 ABIDJAN Riviera (COTE D'IVOIRE) Tel. : 43 41 52 - Fax : (225) 43 41 52 |
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| Joseph R.N. ANDERSON | Resident Head, Veterinary Diagnostic Services, Ministry of Agriculture MONROVIA, LIBERIA |
Contact ADD c/o FAO LIBERIA c/o Ministry of Agriculture Republic of LIBERIA |
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TCP/NIR/7822 12 th June 1998,
Dr K. El Hicheri
Object: Issues to be investigated, cleared and assessed by the Nigerian authorities in order to implement the TCP/NIR/7822.
African Swine Fever seems to be well established in Nigeria, in the south western states of Lagos and Ogun. It is now more than 8 months from the time it has been detected in early-mid September 1997, and very little had been done to stop the disease; none of the FAO recommended measures had been taken; clinical search of the disease had not been carried out and the infected areas are still not defined; consequently, knowing the ASF epidemiology, we can suppose that the disease is spreading naturally by the usual movement of pigs and pig meat, from infected areas to non infected ones. In Ogun State, no active foci are reported but that doesn't mean that the disease is stabilised. In the adjacent States of Osun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo, that I visited after my visit to Ogun State, ASF have never been reported; technical staff at local level and villagers are not aware of the disease and haven't been informed on the methods and means for its prevention and control; surveillance isn't carried out and restriction of movement of pigs and pig meat from infected areas have not been established; consequently, Considering the high density of the pig population in the southern states, the probability to see the disease reaches all these states is very high unless the recommended measures contained in the proposed strategy are drastically applied.
Due to its epidemiological, sanitary and socio-economic aspects, it's important to allow the priority to the control of the disease. ASF spreads very fast, is very difficult to contain and the infected pigs die at a rate of 100% so, complete sanitary control of the disease requiring more active field control should be provided. In another hand, the sanitary measures which must be taken for the control of the disease, are multiple, complex and difficult to implement, necessitating the pig owners collaboration. But these control measures find their justification in the place occupied by the pig industry in the matters of food security - in the villages, small towns and sub urban areas- family budget and traditional culture.
Legislation and public information and awareness are, in this phase of the control of the disease, the two main points for which immediate measures should be taken:
- Legislation should be completed in order to include special regulations to prohibit the trade, movement and transport of pigs and pig products, so to freeze the situation and try to stop the progression of the disease.
- Legislation should also include regulations concerning an eventual compensation for the pig owners losses if a compulsory stamping out is implemented.
- A public information/awareness campaign should be organised and started as soon as possible in order to inform the main actors of the pig industry and obtain the pig owners collaboration in the implementation of the control measures against ASF.
- Information dissemination campaign in the still non infected villages of the infected areas first and then in non infected areas, is to be held. Animal health officers and technologists, civil authorities, police, customs and pig industry actors, must be sensitised to the threat and dangers represented by ASF and to the necessity to work in a co-ordinated manner in order to obtain results in the ASF control . From the 13th to the 17th of July 1998, the 35th Annual National Congress will be held in Abuja; this congress usually gather more than 800 veterinarians and it will be a real good opportunity to inform these vets on ASF epidemiology, prevention and control. The organisers should be contacted for this purpose.
- Media, as television and newspapers for the sub urban populations and local radio for the villages populations, properly used could create the necessary state of awareness of the threat posed by the presence of ASF in Nigeria and help to control it.
- Information and sensitisation material, as posters and leaflets, should be elaborated, printed and distributed in order to increase awareness.
As we are not sure that ASF has not reached more states than the two presently, officially infected, an active surveillance, including active searches for pig diseases causing high mortality, should be carried out by state agricultural services, and not only by veterinary services as they have not enough personnel nor means, to face the emergency situation created by the epizootic of ASF . Once the epidemiological situation is well appreciated and the infected areas well delimited, resources should be concentrated in the threatened states. The confinement of village pigs in piggeries or fens associated to enforced movement controls, preventing free ranging and illicit trade of meat from infected areas, will reduce consequently the direct contact with infected pigs and material, slow down the ASF spread and save many pigs.
The communication systems currently available should be improved for a better reporting of the surveillance results; it has been noticed that the State Directors of Veterinary Services have no telephone no fax and no other means of fast communication. They once communicated by radio but all the radio sets are out of order. These radio sets should be fixed and maintained in order to allow a better communication/reporting/co-ordination between State Services and Federal Services.
Professionals (pig owners, butchers, traders) could be of great help in providing the epidemiological information and it is recommended to help them to gather in professional organisations as sanitary defence groups or pig owners associations which should be sensitised to the necessity to report any abnormality.
An epidemio-surveillance system should be organised and co-ordinated at state and federal scale and an early warning system implemented, in order to appreciate the progress of the disease and its locations in the different states.
Funding and means have been the main subjects raised by both Veterinary Services and Permanent Secretaries. Beside the lack of communication means, the States Services lack of transport means and on going budget for routine activities so to speak of emergency activities.
We know that the pig owners at village and sub urban level would be difficult to convince to the necessity to kill their pigs in order to protect neighbours and control the disease on a nation wide scale, as they are facing a day to day challenge to survive and are more concerned by their immediate needs. This aspect of the situation must be taken into account in the control strategy, and some kind of compensation should be foreseen in order to obtain the indispensable collaboration of the villages populations in the ASF control activities.
The following issues are to be investigated, cleared and assessed by Federal and State services. This must be completed, in order to facilitate the implementation and the management of the TCP/NIR/7822.
- Pig population : Importance, distribution, breeds
- Pig production :
production methods,
comparative importance of the commercial pig production sector and the village pig production sector,
type of commercialisation of the production of each sector,
prices of pig products,
importation, exportation.
- Parties involved :
pig owners in the commercial (modern) and village (family) sectors,
federal/state/local government bodies,
transformers, traders, professional organisations.
- Economic aspects :
importance and place in the national/agricultural/animal production economy;
financial importance of the losses,
financial and technical mobilisation for the control of the disease
- Social aspects :
effects of the losses on food security at village and national levels,
effects on the family income,
effects on employment.
- Had the animal health legislation been in place ?
- Have new regulations been promulgated for an active, strong and strict law enforcement?
- How are the present regulations applied to freeze and control the disease? what are the regulatory measures taken to control ASF?
- Nomination of a national project co-ordinator and relevant federal and state officers !!
- Constitution of inter-ministerial committees at federal and state levels
- Transfer of responsibility to the local government bodies
- Funds budgeted?
- Are funds available? at federal, state and local government levels
- Amount of the operational funds
- Financing of emergency activities?
- Have funding been provided for compensation of the pig owners ?
- Logistic capacities mobilised
- Capacity of the resources mobilised
- Laboratory capabilities
- Animal health structures capable of facing the situation. Early warning and preparedness capability to deal with the ASF emergency situation.
- Possible creation of a laboratory unit for ASF diagnosis.
- Clinical signs and post-mortem lesions permitting classification of the disease as per-acute, acute or sub-acute form.
- Laboratory diagnostic techniques: IFD, ELISA, IIF, PCR....
- Samples submitted to state, national, regional and international reference laboratories; methods of collecting and sending samples
- Strains isolated
- Communication system for reporting ASF
- Reporting system operating at village level
- Use of the weekly reporting system of the district stations of environmental health department present in every village.
- Determination of the source of infection and of the means of introduction and spread
- Identification of the infected states and demarcation of the infected areas in these states
- Epidemiological surveillance in the infected areas.
- Epidemiological mapping
- Epidemiological survey in the infected areas and the surrounding states.
- Assessment of the risk factors regarding the spread of ASF in Nigeria
- Epidemiological surveillance of the wild pig population as natural hosts
- Check the possibility of tick vector (pig associated Ornithodoros moubata complex ticks) and possible cryptic ASF.
- Information of high-ranking authorities and political and administrative decision makers.
- Information of federal, state and district technical services (veterinary services, extension services, veterinary laboratories).
- Information of specialised regional and international organisations and veterinary services of the neighbouring countries.
- Information/awareness campaign for pig owners of both commercial and village sectors; state of awareness of the owners, to the ASF situation
- Communication/public information campaign through written and audio-visual media.
- Appreciation of media involvement in the information campaign.
- Field information and awareness campaign (meetings, workshops, field exercises).
- Conception, printing and distribution of information/awareness material such as leaflets, and posters.
- Training of veterinarians and animal health field technicians in identification and clinical recognition of the disease and to declare it and to implement the control measures
- Training of veterinarians and animal health field technicians in collecting and sending samples to the laboratory
- Training laboratory personnel in laboratory diagnosis techniques
- Measures to freeze the situation and contain the disease :
restriction of pig and pig products movement especially cross-border movement from infected to non-infected states
block roads
closing livestock markets, abattoirs and processing plants
pork sale restrictions
confinement of village pigs
surveillance activities particularly in the border areas.
- Measures to eliminate infected pigs and pigs having been directly or indirectly in contact with the infection :
slaughtering pigs in the infected premises and in the infected areas.
compensation of the pig owners? reimbursement of the losses?
destruction and burial of carcasses
desinfection of equipment and piggeries
slaughtering of the remaining (residual) pigs
period of sanitary vacancy
sentinelisation
epidemiosurveillance
epidemiovigilance
- Measures to protect the country against the reintroduction of ASF by:
training veterinary staff
installing an early warning system and an early reaction capability
- Strategy to involve pig owners in the control of ASF
- assessment of the measures taken against ASF epizootic.
- evaluation of the level of involvement of pig owners in the control of the disease.
- evaluation of the risk factors.
Fille, Microsoft Word: HICHERI.DOC 23.07.1998
