18 ๐๐ฆ๐ค๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฃ๐ฆ๐ณ, 2024 (๐๐ฆ๐ญ๐ฆ๐ฑ๐ฉ๐ถ): A three-day training program aimed at strengthening Bhutanโs capacity to combat African Swine Fever (ASF) and enhance farm biosecurity practices was conducted in Gelephu. The program brought together 42 officials from the Department of Livestock (DoL) and the Bhutan Food and Drug Authority (BFDA), comprising 19 participants from BFDA and 23 from DoL.
The training sought to equip participants with critical knowledge and skills to prevent, detect, and respond to ASF, a highly contagious and fatal viral disease that has caused significant economic losses globally, including in Bhutan. With the region experiencing ongoing ASF outbreaks, the program was designed to facilitate efficient responses to potential incursions and ensure effective coordination of outbreak management measures.
Facilitated by experts from the National Centre for Animal Health (NCAH), BFDA, the National Piggery Development Centre (NPiDC), the Regional Livestock Development Centre (Kanglung), and the Regional Veterinary Hospital and Epidemiology Centres (Dewathang and Gelephu), the training covered key areas such as ASF epidemiology, clinical signs, transmission pathways, diagnostic techniques, and biosecurity measures. Participants also engaged in stakeholder mapping, outbreak investigation simulations, and exercises in data collection and analysis.
Organized by the NCAH under the Department of Livestock and funded by the FAO Bhutan Emergency Technical Cooperation Program (eTCP) for ASF, this training initiative emphasized cross-agency collaboration and practical, hands-on learning. It aimed to ensure a coordinated and effective national response to potential ASF threats while reinforcing Bhutanโs overall preparedness and resilience in managing livestock health emergencies.
Reported by: NCAH, DoL
Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Royal Government of Bhutan
