FAO calls for increased vigilance and preparedness for ASF during the Lunar New Year holiday season
Human activities play a significant role in the global spread of ASF. The virus can remain infectious in raw sausage, ham and processed meat products for up to several months. Raw pork and swill feeding are major sources and modes of virus introduction. The risk of ASF virus being introduced into countries free from the disease has increased due to intensified global movement and trade of livestock and animal products. Illegal or uncontrolled imports of pig products, either accidentally through tourists, migrant workers, students, or hunters returning from endemic countries, or intentionally through smuggled pork products for personal or commercial use, pose a continuous threat. Heightened attention to these introduction routes is critically important, particularly with the increased movement of people, pork products and potentially animals before, during and after the Lunar New Year2025 celebrations.
