On Friday, a year has passed since the first Swedish case of the animal disease was discovered. The country says the strategy against the infection has been successful, and the Swedish Agency for Agriculture is asking the EU to declare that Sweden is rid of the disease.
– We have come significantly further than we could imagine at the start of the outbreak, says Madeleine Haal Gertzell, who heads the agency’s department for infection control.
In a press release, she points, among other things, to good cooperation between hunters, municipalities and other agencies and flexibility from residents in the area in question.
– Everyone has understood the seriousness of the situation, which has enabled us to limit the infection, says Haal Gertzell.
The Swedish Agency for Agriculture has sent a formal request to the European Commission asking that Sweden be declared plague-free by the end of September. A final decision must be made by the EU’s member states, and it can happen years after the last case of infection at the earliest.
In total, infection has been detected in 68 wild boar carcasses in the infection area, according to Swedish veterinary authorities. 59 domestic pigs and 92 wild boars have been killed, but there has been no evidence of the spread of infection since the end of September last year.
#Sweden #declares #free #swine #fever
2024-09-06 17:01:35
Sweden Celebrates One Year Anniversary of Combating African Swine Fever: A Success Story
[MetaDescription:[MetaDescription:[MetaDescription:[MetaDescription: Sweden marks one year since the first case of African Swine Fever was discovered, hailing its strategy against the infection as successful and seeking EU recognition as disease-free.]
[HeaderTags:[HeaderTags:[HeaderTags:[HeaderTags: African Swine Fever, Sweden, Infection Control, EU Recognition]
Exactly one year ago, Sweden reported its first case of African Swine Fever (ASF), a highly contagious and deadly animal disease that has wreaked havoc on pig farms and wildlife populations worldwide. However, unlike other European countries, Sweden’s swift and collaborative response has paid off, with the country now requesting the European Union (EU) to declare it ASF-free.
A Successful Strategy Against ASF
According to Madeleine Haal Gertzell, head of the Swedish Agency for Agriculture’s department for infection control, the country has made significant progress in combating the disease since the initial outbreak. “We have come significantly further than we could imagine at the start of the outbreak,” she stated in a press release.
Haal Gertzell attributed the success to the excellent cooperation between hunters, municipalities, and other agencies, as well as the flexibility shown by residents in the affected areas. “Everyone has understood the seriousness of the situation, which has enabled us to limit the infection,” she emphasized.
Key Factors Contributing to Sweden’s Success
Several key factors have contributed to Sweden’s successful strategy against ASF:
- Swift Response: The prompt detection and reporting of the first case allowed authorities to rapidly implement control measures, preventing the disease from spreading rapidly.
- Collaboration: The Swedish Agency for Agriculture worked closely with hunters, municipalities, and other stakeholders to contain the outbreak, demonstrating the importance of interagency collaboration in disease control.
- Public Awareness: Raising public awareness about the risks and consequences of ASF helped to engage local communities in the fight against the disease, ensuring their cooperation and compliance with control measures.
- Effective Surveillance: Intensive surveillance and monitoring of wildlife populations and pig farms enabled authorities to quickly identify and respond to new cases, preventing further spread of the disease.
Next Steps: Seeking EU Recognition
With the outbreak seemingly under control, the Swedish Agency for Agriculture is now seeking EU recognition that Sweden is rid of ASF. This declaration would be a significant milestone, acknowledging the country’s efforts in combating the disease and paving the way for the resumption of normal trade and animal movement.
Conclusion
Sweden’s experience serves as a model for other countries grappling with African Swine Fever. By leveraging collaboration, public awareness, and effective surveillance, it is possible to combat this devastating disease and protect animal health. As the country looks to the future, its success story offers hope for a swine fever-free Europe.
Keywords: African Swine Fever, Sweden, Infection Control, EU Recognition, Disease Control, Animal Health, Public Awareness, Collaboration, Surveillance.
