Swift Action, Strict Measures, and a Bit of Luck
When ASF struck our farm in Cambodia, which has two barns with 300 animals each, the situation looked dire. The pigs in one of the bays began showing clinical signs and soon tested positive for ASF. Immediate and decisive action was essential to contain the outbreak.
Upon confirmation of ASF, the pigs in the affected bay and the adjacent ones were culled without delay. Those farther away and the pigs in the other half of the barn, separated by a wall, were placed under strict observation. This actions with a partial culling were our first line of defense.
To prevent the virus from spreading further and in particular to our other barn, we implemented a series of rigorous separation measures:
- Dedicated Personnel: Staff members were assigned to a specific barn and were prohibited from moving between them. Family members living together were assigned to the same barn to avoid cross-contamination.
- Exclusive Equipment: Each barn had its own set of equipment, ensuring no tools or devices were shared between barns.
- Isolated Feeding Procedures: Feeding processes, including the transportation of feed, were kept entirely separate. There were no shared routes or devices to minimize any risk of cross-contamination.
By enforcing these strict protocols, we successfully contained the virus to the initially affected barn. No further infections occurred, underscoring the effectiveness of rapid response and stringent measures.
Our experience highlights that with fast, decisive action and rigorous adherence to biosecurity protocols, the spread of ASF can be controlled. While a bit of luck certainly played a role, it was our disciplined approach and the unwavering commitment of our team that truly made the difference.
This incident serves as a powerful reminder: sometimes, we can tip the scales of luck in our favor through meticulous planning and execution
