Jamaica has been placed on high alert for African Swine Fever.

This, following confirmation of an outbreak of the fever in the Dominican Republic.

In a statement, the Ministry of Agriculture says while the disease is not known to affect humans, it is almost always fatal in pigs.

The ministry says, the African Swine Fever virus is easily spread by infected swine, contaminated pork products and via the soft tick vector.

Noting that introduction of the African Swine Fever in the country, could cause economic devastation, the ministry says, through its veterinary services division, it will heighten collaboration with several stakeholders, including the Jamaica Customs Agency, Pig Farmers and all Jamaicans, to minimize the risk of entry of the disease.