The largest focus of the project is a study to determine the risks of disease spread in the pork production chain. In the framework of cooperation with the State Veterinary and Consumer Service, a survey among 550 market players (industrial farms, households, hunting grounds, territorial authorities of the competent authority, private veterinarians and harvesters) to assess the risks of swine diseases, including African swine fever. The study was conducted to assess the risks of the spread of diseases in pigs, including African swine fever, as well as the use of antimicrobial agents in war conditions.
"At present one third of 300 households were interviewed: 100 respondents from 9 regions of Ukraine. According to the results of the survey we can conclude about the low level of awareness of African swine fever (ASF). Yes, only 23% of respondents answered that this disease is not curable. At the same time, not a single respondent knew the symptoms of ASF. A very low percentage, 18%, said they would notify a veterinary medicine specialist if they suspected ASF. The understanding of the importance of biosecurity is also poor: only 45% of respondents believed that they should wash their hands before going into the pigs; about 20% of them fiddled with the pigs without changing their shoes or clothes. The results of understanding the risk factors for the spread of disease were interesting: only 40% believed that feed could be the source of infection. Significantly more respondents chose insects and rodents over pigs when it came to potential disease carriers. Importantly, 86% of pig owners, when buying young pigs, do not consider it necessary to see a veterinary document confirming the animal's health status. Instead, they rely on the word of the seller or determine the state of health by eye", noted Oksana Yurchenko, President of the Association of Ukranian Pig Breeders.
The survey already at this stage shows a low level of understanding of what antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. Yes, only 15% of respondents answered that antibiotics are used to treat bacterial diseases of animals (not viral). 17% gave the correct definition of "antibiotic resistance." The rest either don't know or think it's a diagnosis for which antimicrobial drugs should be used.
"These are just the first results; there are 2/3 more such interviews to come. However, the data we have already received demonstrates the importance of educating and communicating through all possible channels not only about African swine fever, but also the importance of biosafety and antibiotic resistance," the AUPB adds.
In December, the first assessment of the biosafety of pigs in the de-occupied territories took place. Of the solutions that are worth noting as the best are the underground gallery leading to the production facilities with the animals. It minimizes contact with the environment and, therefore, the risk of introducing pathogens. In Ukraine, this approach can boast a few farms. However, in war conditions, it has advantages not only in terms of biosecurity of the farm, but also in terms of staff safety, becoming a reliable bomb shelter.
Work on all areas of the project continues, and read about further results in the next issues of "Profitable Pig Production: Military Digest".
The Association of Ukranian Pig Breeders is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded by domestic pork producers. The main objectives of the association are to represent and protect the rights and interests of the association farms, to promote the development and implementation of new technologies for the efficient production of pork, the expansion of markets, and protection of domestic markets.
