Why Does the Virus Keep Spreading?
- Lack of sanitary control – Most small farms do not have veterinary oversight.
- High virulence of ASF – The virus spreads rapidly, and there is no treatment or approved vaccine.
- Difficulties in isolation – Controlling animal movement across the country is nearly impossible, allowing the disease to continue spreading.
Economic Impact
The pig farming industry in the Dominican Republic produces approximately 80 million kilograms of pork annually, but even this does not meet domestic demand. If the ASF outbreak is not controlled, pork production could collapse, leading to an economic disaster and destroying the livelihoods of thousands of farming families.
During the last ASF outbreak in 1978, authorities in the Dominican Republic and Haiti eradicated all pigs on the island of Hispaniola to stop the disease. If this approach were repeated today, economic losses could reach 4.5 billion Dominican pesos ($71 million USD).
Government Response
Since ASF was reintroduced in 2021, the Dominican Republic’s veterinary authority has implemented emergency measures with international support, including:
- Enhanced laboratory testing and monitoring
- Depopulation of infected herds
- Financial compensation for farmers
- Stricter control over pig transportation
Despite these efforts, ASF remains a severe challenge. In 2022, pig production decreased by 21% compared to the previous year. Additionally, from June 2021 to September 2023, the government spent over $28.7 million USD on indemnification for affected farmers.
Conclusion
If biosecurity measures are not strengthened, the Dominican Republic risks losing its swine industry entirely. Authorities are urging large-scale producers to follow strict biosecurity protocols, as isolating infected farms is the only way to prevent a total collapse. However, without better control of small farms, the risk of further ASF outbreaks remains dangerously high.
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