Counting the cost: The potential impact of African Swine Fever on smallholders in Timor-Leste

• Published in: One health Vol. 8; p. 100109
• Main Authors: Smith, Dominic, Cooper, Tarni, Pereira, Abrao, Jong, Joanita Bendita da Costa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2019; Elsevier
• Subjects: Short Communication
• ISSN: 2352-7714; 2352-7714
• DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2019.100109

In September 2019, Timor-Leste, where pigs are kept by more than 70 percent of households, became the eleventh Asian country to report African Swine Fever (ASF). Drawing on our recent, as-yet unpublished research we show that while national pork consumption is low, pigs hold tremendous monetary value for smallholders within the economy of ceremonies. Given the sums of money paid for live pigs, the value of the national pig herd is around USD160 million – more than USD1000 per pig keeping household. Accordingly, pigs serve to buffer families against shocks and pressures, especially for health and education expenses. While not a zoonosis, the potential for ASF to lead to significant, negative impacts for smallholder farmers in Timor-Leste - some of the world’s most vulnerable people - cannot be underestimated. We argue that Timor-Leste faces significant challenges in responding to ASF and there is a strong case for international support. •ASF was detected in Timor-Leste in September 2019 and could devastate the national herd, valued at USD160 million.•More than 70% of Timor-Leste households keep pigs and they act as a buffer for families, against shocks and pressures•ASF could lead to significant, negative, livelihood, food and nutrition security impacts in Timor-Leste.•Timor-Leste faces significant challenges in responding to ASF and there is a strong case for international support