African Swine Fever (ASF) is a viral disease that can decimate domestic and wild pig populations but poses no threat to humans. The disease results in high economic losses as trade in pigs, their meat and meat products are affected in addition to pig deaths.
ASF has not been confirmed in Slovenia, but the situation in Europe has deteriorated significantly in recent years. The virus is very resilient in the environment, meat and meat products.
Humans have a very important role in the spread of the disease. The only way to curb the disease is prevention, i.e. a consistent implementation of measures preventing the introduction and spread of the virus to pig farms.
The first aim of the project is to raise public awareness about the interdependence of the human and animal worlds when it comes to viral diseases, as well as about the role of humans as indirect carriers of the virus and the possible ways of preventing transmission.
Another aim is to involve students in animal health and preventing animal-human-animal transmission in schools with a veterinary or agricultural programme. The activity will take place through interactive activities (e.g. experiments, debates, games and quizzes).
In order to better understand the interdependence (and draw a parallel with COVID-19), the Veterinary Faculty researchers selected a currently raging animal disease where humans play an important role in its spread.
Coordinators: Irena Golinar Oven, PhD, Jan Plut, PhD, Veterinary Faculty