Jamaica has been placed on high alert for African swine fever, following a US Department of Agriculture report on Wednesday confirming the virus in samples collected from pigs in the Dominican Republic.
African swine fever is a highly contagious viral disease of domestic and wild pigs causing high mortality of close to 100 per cent.
It is not known to affect humans.
In a statement Thursday, the Ministry of Agriculture said through its Veterinary Services Division, it has heightened collaboration with Jamaica Customs Agency, the Jamaica Defence Coast Guard, the Passport Immigration, Citizenship Agency, as well as pig farmers in order to minimise the risk of entry of the disease.
Introduction of the virus into the country may occur by way of importation of infected pork products and contaminated feed, equipment, vehicles, and clothing.
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