he highest in output and are often hit hardest by the disease due to close quarters and easy transmission from one infected pig to another. Others raise pigs in backyards where the animals are exposed to garbage and unhealthy conditions. Both of these methods of farming pigs are at the highest risk for infection. Those that raise pigs and let them roam around villages are less likely to get infected. The problem of food security in most Western countries isn't on the brink of disaster considering the grain excess and food stocks we take for granted. Often times countries in Africa are at the brink of famine and even the slightest change in food production can put many lives at risk. The loss of half of all pigs in a particular meat eating culture can greatly affect the food security of the people in that region.(4) When farms are hit hard from disease, often animals that would have been used for breeding get destroyed and the entire breeding project must often times be restarted. Many pig farms are poorly financed and are put into financial ruin due to ASF epedemics. The rural poor people are at the highest risk of failing food security and major outbreaks of ASF can cause a short-term, unexpected loss in food security for these people. Dr. George Nassara from Benin's Government Stock Breeding Department told Reuters that he believes almost 100 percent of all infected pigs die of the disease. He says that "clandestine trade" and improper disposal of carcasses has led to failed efforts to control the disease. Officials are concerned that without early detection and control, ASF will spread beyond the Southern Provinces where the disease has only been found so far. The chances, say some officials, of the disease spreading to neighbors such as Nigeria and Togo are extremely high. This has implications for all countries that rely on livestock for their sustainability. ASF isn't the only disease threatening food security in Africa. Other eme...
