Japan loses global status as a country free from classical swine fever

On Thursday (3rd), Japan officially lost its status as a country free from classical swine fever as it failed to contain an outbreak that began two years ago. The World Animal Health Organization (OIE) suspended Japan's status on September 3, 2018, after the country reported that fattening pigs were found dead in the central prefecture of Gifu.

According to the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, it was the first case reported in the country since 1992. The OIE in 2015 officially recognized the country as free from the disease, also known as swine cholera.

To regain its status, Japan will have to ensure that there are no cases reported in the past 12 months and that no vaccines against the disease are carried out during the same period. Vaccination against swine cholera began in Japan in October 2019 for the first time in 13 years.

A ministry official said it could take more than 10 years to eradicate the disease, considering how long it took Japan last time. Internationally recognized status is sometimes necessary for exporting pork to new markets.

To regain status as quickly as possible, the ministry has implemented stricter control measures for pig farms, while also trying to develop new vaccines. Swine cholera affects only pigs and wild boars, but has a high mortality rate. Human health is not affected, even if the meat of an infected animal is consumed.