Prof. Pfeiffer (Chair Professor of One Health) was one of the African swine fever experts invited to join a three-day emergency meeting convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to review the most recent developments in China following the outbreak of African swine fever (ASF) in the country, and to develop a regional response to the threat of ASF spread to other countries in Asia.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the animal health authorities of 10 Asian countries neighbouring China, private stakeholders from the pig production industry in the region, FAO officials, and international experts. Its objectives were to review the current ASF situation and risks to the rest of China and the region; to develop a regional approach for ASF reduction, preparedness and response; to identify priority actions required for countries in the short, medium and longer term; and to facilitate the development of a stakeholder network for ASF.

The meeting concluded with a warning that African swine fever is ‘here to stay’ and utmost diligence is required to avoid major damage to food security and livelihoods.