– and those are the ones that have been affected hardest. “The largest farm in the Dominican Republic has 2,800 sows. Just below that, there are various other farms with more than 1,000 sows – some of those were affected by the virus, especial- ly a farrow-to-finish farm with 1,200 sows and another one, a multisite farm, also of 1,200 sows. Then there are various farms with 500 sows or more, of which some have also been affected. “In addition, the major genetics centre, Biogenetik, was affected by ASF virus in the beginning of February. This centre, with very good biosecurity, had 200 boars and over 200 GGP sows with high genetic value, which contributed to a high degree to the development of the national swine industry.”
Is it possible to tell where the virus came from? To which strain does it have most resemblance? Dr Israel Brito: “There are laboratory results. We are collaborating with the reference laboratory in Plum Island in New York. The di- agnostics of the identification of the virus showed that it comes from Russia, according to the experts. In fact, at the moment there are three strains circulating in the Dominican Republic.”
Three strains? Would that mean that there has been more than one infection, or has the virus mutated on the island? Dr Israel Brito: “At the moment we haven’t determined whether there has been a mutation in the Dominican Republic. We do know that we have cases where the virus had very low patho- genicity, very different to occasions where the virus was very viru- lent. That is what led us to believe we have more than one strain of the virus present.”
What has been the effect of ASF on swine producers – do they still see a future for themselves? Dr Israel Brito: “At the moment many smaller producers have left the industry. Medium producers have decreased production, and larger producers have also decreased production because of the fear of the disease getting onto the farm. And at the mo- ment I don’t think there is anybody who is willing to invest in the industry.”
What has been the effect of ASF on pork prices in the Dominican Republic? Dr Israel Brito: “In March 2022, prices were 9% higher in comparison to when ASF showed up in the Dominican Republic. Initially, as a consequence of the virus, the prices dropped by 20% because there was a significant drop in consumption. After that price levels went up again; that was mostly due to a signifi- cant reduction of pork on the market. Now consumption is back to normal. That the prices are higher than before is related to the higher price of raw materials.” Prof Paulino: “This recuperation of consumption is related to a campaign of making customers aware through radio, television, newspapers and all social media networks, set up by the Ministry of Agriculture. It is aimed at making the end user understand that ASF virus does not affect human health.”
And now the amount of pork on the market is the same again? Dr Israel Brito: “At this moment the amount of pork in the market is the same again. Most Dominicans have the habit, luckily, to
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