USDA delegation visits Dominican Republic to strengthen African swine fever prevention

Santo Domingo.- Agriculture Minister Francisco Oliverio Espaillat met with a delegation from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service to strengthen technical cooperation on animal health, food security, and the prevention of livestock diseases, particularly African Swine Fever (ASF).

During the meeting, Dominican and U.S. officials reviewed progress under the National Swine Biosecurity Program, a pioneering initiative in the Americas designed to prevent and control ASF. Discussions focused on enhancing disease surveillance, prevention strategies, emergency response systems, and expanding bilateral cooperation to support the livestock sector.

The Director General of Livestock, Abel Madera, highlighted the program’s achievements, including the enrollment of more than 630 farms, representing 82% of the country’s technified pig inventory. He also noted the establishment of a national biosecurity certification system and the certification of 27 farms that have maintained zero ASF cases.

Authorities emphasized that the initiative has strengthened the country’s technical capabilities and international partnerships, helping position the Dominican Republic as a key regional barrier against the spread of African Swine Fever. Both sides agreed on the importance of continued investment in biosecurity measures to reduce risks associated with animal movement, transportation, and less technologically advanced farming operations.