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• the significance of the occurrence and risk of endemicity of ASF in the countries neighbouring the EU
• the possibility of ASF becoming endemic in domestic pigs and to maintaining itself in a wild boar population in the EU, keeping in mind the differences in virulence of ASF virus strains, in particular the virus strains which are now endemic in the Caucasus region;
• the role played by vectors in the spread and the maintenance of ASF and provide geographical information and maps of Member States displaying the geographical distribution of Ornithodoros erraticus as well as other potential invertebrate hosts.
Recommendations:
• An integrated strategy involving TCC, the RF and the EU would facilitate the trans-boundary control of ASF, including an information exchange platform. This would be strengthened by identifying gaps in knowledge and needs.
• Develop a specific ASF eradication strategy for backyard holdings in TCC, RF and EU.
• Promote knowledge and implementation of biosecurity principles , including mechanisms to reduce or prevent contact between domestic pigs and wild boar in TCC, the RF and the EU.
• Based on the risk assessment, the reduction of the risk for ASFV endemicity in TCC and RF and spread to other regions could be achieved by support to enhance early warning and preparedness and rapid and long term control responses.
• Awareness of both pig farmers and veterinarians of the risk of ASF especially in limited and free-range production sectors should be increased. Inform farmers about the potential origin of infected products.
• Passive surveillance of domestic pigs and wild boar requires strengthening in all MS.
• Active surveillance of wild boar (e.g. routine testing of hunting bag) especially in countries within ecological corridors should be implemented.
• Systematic differential diagnosis for CSF and ASF is required.
• Enhance enforcement of the EU legislation on destruction and disposal of waste food from international means of transport, e.g. by increasing the awareness of the official veterinarians at the MS Border Inspection Posts.
• Further studies are required to improve the predictive value of models for tick distribution.
• Determine the potential carrier status of animals infected with ASFV currently circulating in the TCC and the RF because they could play a potential role in the development of endemicity.
http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/scdocs/scdoc/1556.htm
