Protecting Our Pigs, Protecting Our Future by Brent Simon and Bernella Vidal

Antigua and Barbuda has taken another major step toward strengthening its animal health and bio-security systems through the African Swine Fever (ASF) Sampling Pilot, a collaborative initiative led by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries, and the Blue Economy.

The program brought together veterinary officers, livestock specialists, and regional experts to reinforce national surveillance capacity and field response readiness against animal disease threats — particularly African Swine Fever, a highly contagious viral disease that affects pigs and poses severe economic risks to the swine industry.

The opening day, held at the People’s Place Conference Room on Nugent Avenue, set the foundation for the activities. During this session featured opening remarks from Craig M. Thomas of IICA, Mr. Fernando Hugo/representative from the USDA, and Dr. Ericka Calderon, ASF Project Manager at IICA Headquarters.

Delivering the feature address, Mr. Gregory Bailey, Director of Agriculture, emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to proactive surveillance and early detection systems, noting that preparedness and rapid response remain essential to protecting national food security and livelihoods.

The technical presentations that followed introduced participants to the regional ASF surveillance framework and Antigua and Barbuda’s own diagnostic capabilities. Dr. Tubal Edwards/Chief Veterinary Officer provided an overview of the local swine industry, disease preparedness measures, and the Veterinary Services Division’s ongoing work in improving animal health monitoring system.

Dr. Christopher Hamilton-West, Epidemiologist, further explored the principles of epidemiological surveillance, supported by a visual presentation showcasing best practices in field data collection and disease containment.

On the second day, participants transitioned from theory to practical application. Gathering early at the Ministry of Agriculture headquarters, they were divided into two teams for simultaneous farm visits across the island — including the His Majesty’s Prison Farm.
A total of 35 pigs were sampled as part of the exercise, with each tube carefully labelled to maintain accurate traceability and grouping records. The samples are being prepared for overseas laboratory analysis to determine disease presence and guide future animal health strategies.

The field visits served not only to test surveillance procedures but also to strengthen the discipline and precision required in real-world disease investigation. Participants demonstrated the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe animal restraint, sample collection, and detailed data recording. Equal emphasis was placed on the removal and sanitation process for PPE and equipment to ensure that no infectious material was transferred between premises.

According to Dr. Dane Hartley/Veterinarian and an Agricultural Health, Safety Agri-Food Quality Specialist with the EECOM, the practical experience reinforced critical lessons learned from the previous day.