Day 2 of the ASF Project: Protecting Our Pigs, Protecting Our Future by Bernella Vidal

Today marks another important step in monitoring and safeguarding our livestock, specifically pigs.

The Ministry of Agriculture’s Livestock Division, with support from the IICA and USDA, continued Swine Influenza testing across four farms across the island, including the His Majesty’s Prison Farm. A total of 35 pigs were sampled, with two teams assigned to two farms each. Each sample tube was carefully labelled to track the grouping of pigs accurately. These samples will be sent abroad for laboratory analysis, providing essential information to guide animal health management and strengthen African Swine Fever (ASF) prevention measures.

Participants followed strict biosecurity measures, including proper use of PPE, personal sanitation, and safe handling of equipment. The last team member to remove PPE ensured all reusable tools and materials were sanitized for future use.

One farmer whose farm was visited praised the initiative, saying:
“This is a great initiative, especially since this has never been done in Antigua and Barbuda before. It will give a clear picture of disease prevalence on my farm and across the island as a whole.”

This exercise is part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts under the Surveillance and Response to Prevent African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Americas, strengthening disease monitoring and protecting Antigua and Barbuda’s livestock sector.